Panzy Olander On Sinclair Packwood Race
[Written by Stephen Wright]
Cyclist Panzy Olander will return to the Sinclair Packwood Memorial Race tomorrow [May 22] after winning the women’s title in her only previous appearance in 2023.
The former champion will compete in the race for the first time since becoming a mother, while fiancé Dominique Mayho, the record six-time men’s champion, is also set to race.
“I don’t have too many expectations, but I’m a little sad to see the lack of women signing up,” Olander told Bernews.
“Numbers have dwindled the last couple of years. It would be great to see more women racing.”
Winning the race in 2023 remains the proudest moment of Olander’s cycling career.
“It was insane to win – I’ve never experienced anything like that,” she said.
“I hope I can challenge for the title. It’s been my goal since I returned to cycling after having my son [Mason].
“I’ve done all the races on the schedule to help with my fitness.”
Olander said balancing training with motherhood had required careful planning.
“I’ve taken turns with my fiancé to train because I don’t have as many hours in the day now,” Olander said.
“I feel like I’m back to where I was pre-baby.”
Olander expects Nicole Mitchell, the record women’s champion, to provide her biggest challenge.
“Nicole will be my biggest rival,” Olander said. “I’d have loved to have raced against Caitlin Conyers [the island’s former top women’s cyclist], who put in some really big years racing overseas.”
She added that Bermuda Day remained one of the highlights of the local cycling calendar.
“Bermuda Day is one of my favourite days,” she said. “It makes you proud to be Bermudian and the energy is great.
“Going through Front Street, Cedar Avenue, and seeing so many spectators – it’s the prime race.
“I love the Somerset route – it’s quite challenging and there are so many hills, Scaur Hill, White Hill, and Burnt House.
“The men’s race is quite different – they go out at full speed, whereas the women’s race tends to be a bit more tactical.”
For extensive coverage of Bermuda Day spanning the past 15 years, visit our website BDADay.com, the island’s most comprehensive resource on the Bermuda Day holiday.
- Almost 10,000 photos here
- Over 250 videos here
- Holiday graphics here
- History of the race here
- Bermuda Day Timeline here
- Dedicated website: BDADay.com
