Time trial specialist Jerome Ameline tested his legs on the first event of the 2014 cycling calendar, the 10-mile individual time trial, knowing that he was overwhelming favorite because his two closest rivals were absent.
There were 14 starters at the line last week. The route took the riders from Paradise Restaurant on the waterfront to the end of South Sound Road.
Ameline turned in the morning’s fastest time in 21 minutes, 03 seconds in slightly windy conditions with an average speed of 28 miles per hour for first place overall and first place in the men’s open category.
Veteran cyclist Dennis Brooks took second place overall, as well as second place in the men’s category with a time of 23 minutes flat.
Master cyclist and ever improving, Chris Sutton was third overall in 23 minutes, 37 seconds, as well as capturing the win in the masters category.
In the women’s category, Risa Golberg took first place in 26 minutes, 01 second; and 1 minute, 53 seconds behind was Justine Plenkiewicz in second. Book looked in great shape and fit to take on this year’s races.
Junior cyclist Josh Weaver is getting stronger as he grows up. Last year, he did 37 minutes and this time he shaved his time down by over four minutes to complete in 33 minutes, 51 seconds with an average speed of 17.72 miles per hour. Not bad for a 12-year-old. Weaver is always encouraged by his dad Chris and is already one of the most consistent participants on the cycling scene despite his age.
David Cooke, Aldo Bertagna, Gavin McDougall, Ian MacDonald, Chris Weaver and another veteran cyclist, Richard Pascal, in the masters category, all put in great times.
With the absense of 2013 Cayman Road Race champion Steve Abbott and 2013 Cayman Time Trial champ, Michele “Mitch” Smith, Ameline would have had stiffer competition. The three are very close in times at these events known as “The Race of Truth.”
Abbott and Ameline are both time trial specialist and fierce rivals. Smith, who is a more tactical rider and prefers road and circuit races and criteriums, but can hold his own in the time trial discipline. Abbott holds the Paradise to South Sound course record in 20:44, set in October 2012.
The Cayman Islands Cycling Association thanked all the volunteers who came out and helped with the event and course set-up. Special thanks went to the Brasserie Market, Maedac Supply, Joanne Caputo of Cayman Timing Systems and the 2014 Board members.
The next cycling event is the 48 Mile Road Race on Mar. 23 from Hurley’s to East End to the Queens Highway and back to Hurley’s. It starts at 7 a.m.
Ameline turned in the morning’s fastest time in 21 minutes, 03 seconds in slightly windy conditions with an average speed of 28 miles per hour for first place overall and first place in the men’s open category.
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