With powerful 20 mph winds sweeping in from the east, cyclists in the Season Prologue Time Trial got a helpful push along the 9-mile course, which stretched from the Divi Carina Bay Hotel to the entrance pillars of Ha’Penny Beach.
The Virgin Islands Cycling Federation kicked off its 2025 racing season on Sunday, with 22 competitors lining up to race against the clock. In the time trial format, riders were sent off at one-minute intervals, with their times recorded and adjusted as they crossed the finish line.
Elite cyclist Alex Betancourt delivered the fastest ride of the day, completing the course in 22 minutes and 27 seconds. David Morales followed closely behind at 22:36, while his 13-year-old son, Xander Morales, finished third overall in 22:46. Though Xander competes in the Expert division, the third-place Elite medal went to St. Thomas cyclist Michael Steimle, who finished in 23:25.
In the Expert division, Xander led the way, with Tom Keery securing second place at 25:26, and Esther Ellis rounding out the top three with a time of 25:32.
Other top finishers included:
- Sport Division: Guy Augustin (1st), Joseph Thomas (2nd)
- Masters Division: Mario Peters (1st), Ralph Bartlett (2nd), Nelson Rojas (3rd)
- Women’s Division: Catherine Seguin (1st), Enid Francis (2nd)
- Junior Division: Randy Williams (1st)
Up next, the Fresh Start Road Race is set for Sunday, March 2, at 7 a.m. For more information, contact 340-643-5050.
