St. Croix hosted the third leg of the Caribbean Cup Mountain Bike Series last weekend and the venue provided the opportunity for the Virgin Island's cyclists to shine.
Jamie Keys extended his unbeaten streak, racking up yet another victory in the Elite division, while junior Bryce Scott continued his winning ways by destroying his competition in the cross country race and beating the entire field in the downhill time trial.
The cross country race was held Saturday morning in the Creque Dam valley on a hilly 3.8-mile loop that included many technical ghut sections, exposed ridgeline and fast singletrack. The course was described by Brian Lynn of Antigua as "one of, if not, the best in the Caribbean."
"It's a hard, hard course but still fun and challenging," said Jamaican Declan Hamblin.
The number of laps required for each class depended on their age an ability, with the elite riding five to the cadets riding just one.
The VI Cycling Federation took home five of a possible six gold medals in the race with Keys winning Elite, Bryce Scott winning Juniors, John Harper taking the Veterans B, Craig Scott the Masters and Vincente Pesante, competing in his first race, the Cadet category. John Riggs, also from St. Croix, finished strong bringing home the bronze in the Elite division.
Saturday afternoon brought the downhill time trial. Run on a very fast, technical trail that started from inside the Bodkin sugar mill to the top of Annaly Bay road, the course was spectacular in its difficulty and beauty.
Riders raced against the clock, seeing who would be fastest down the steep chute, filled with twists, turns, rocks and even a jump. Bryce Scott destroyed the field, being the only rider to break the seven minute barrier. Omaro Williams of Antigua followed in second more than 30 seconds behind. Aaron Hutchins from the VI finished third.
"It was an excellent event with great competition," said VICF President Mike McQueston.
The VICF will be sending Keys and other riders to competitions in Puerto Rico during the month of June and then heading to Antigua for the final leg of the Caribbean Cup MTB Series.
Anyone interested in getting involved with cycling should contact the VICF at 772.2343 or email McQuestion .
