Caymanian cyclist Ryan Thompson secured a podium finish in Belize this past weekend, marking a significant achievement for the young rider on the regional stage.
Competing in the 25th Annual Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) Junior Cross Country Cycling Classic on 12 April, Thompson represented Cayman as part of the Phoenix cycling team in the Male Junior Category.
The event, organised by the Cycling Federation of Belize, drew talented youth male and female cyclists from across Central America and the Caribbean, including riders from Mexico, Guatemala and the host nation.
The male junior race commenced at 9am, starting at the Ferry in Succotz Village, Cayo District and ended at the BEL Corporate Headquarters for a total of 76 miles.
Claiming a third-place finish in the Male Junior Category as the sole Caymanian competitor out of 21 riders was 16-year-old Thompson.
Finishing out the podium spots was Belizean Keith Enwright of G-Flow Cycling who claimed first place, followed by his fellow countryman Jamaal Tablada of Griga Cycling Club who secured second place.
Thompson, openly expressing his thoughts about his outcome, shared, “I could have maybe sprinted a little harder to get second place, but I’m proud with my third place.”
“People told me my performance was pretty good, especially closing the gap to the front guys in the last couple of miles. I could have let them go but … I gambled in the sprint and kind of tired out my legs a little bit in the chase, but I think it was a good outcome [to come] third place. I’m proud of what I did,” he added.
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