Caymanian cyclist Nathaniel Forbes put pedal to the metal in his first competitive appearance for his new squad, Team Gesprom Evolution Colombia.
Forbes, 21, took on the some of the best pro continental cyclists in the Pan American region, during the Vuelta Independencia Nacional in the Dominican Republic, finishing 69th overall out of 121 starters.
Additionally, he placed 20th in the under-23 division, establishing himself as one of the top-ranked U23 riders in the region.
“With the grace of God, I finished safely [in] a really tough race,” Forbes told the Compass, after the race, held over seven days and covering around 600 miles.
“Two particular stages were hard on my body, and I had to dig really deep,” he said. “I lost time due to bumps, potholes, and aggressive riding from others.”
Forbes added that his preparation under his longtime coach Ken Gokool paid off.
“I am just happy that my training got me to this level, and I look forward to next year’s tour with more racing in my legs,” he said.
Gokool told the Compass that Forbes’ first Pan American tour event was a big one.
“He did remarkably well,” Gokool said. “I was concerned that the hills would have an impact on him, but he rode those hills as if he’s been doing it for years.”
Forbes is scheduled for the three-day Jamaican Cycling Classic being held 5-7 April.
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