The biggest cycling event ever hosted in Cayman happens this weekend and even if you’re not into the sport, try to catch some of the spectacular action.
Through the hard work and dedication of the Cayman Islands Cycling Association a three-day, four-stage race will bring some of the world’s top cyclists to these shores.
The most famous professional cyclist to take part in the event will be Christian Vandevelde, who rides for the Garmin-Chipotle professional cycling team.
Vandevelde has had an exceptional 2008 season, wearing the leader’s jersey in the Giro d’Italia and then finishing fifth overall in cycling’s premier event, the Tour de France.
‘I can’t wait to get down to race in Grand Cayman. It’s been a long season and having a treat like the Grand Cayman race at the end of the year is a bonus,’ said Vandevelde.
‘I will be with my wife and friends racing on an island…..life could be worse.’
He will be joined by Austrian cyclist Peter Luttenberger, who claimed a fifth place overall in the 1996 Tour de France and was instrumental in setting up the Pirates Week Invitational.
‘I’m very exited to come back the Caymans after visiting all three islands in 2000,’ said Luttenberger.
‘I was fascinated by the pristine white beaches and Crystal clear waters of this great place and was very close to buy a property on Grand Cayman.
‘Thanks to the great enthusiasm of organizer Steve Evans, it’s now a great pleasure to come back for a three day cycling event, and a wonderful opportunity to promote this exiting sport.
‘Cycling is a sport which can be practiced anywhere and by anybody. You can not only enjoy your bike in races, but also in daily life by riding to work, with family or to the store, improving health and environment.’
Other professionals taking to local roads will include former US Pro Champion Chris Wherry.
The VMG/Felt team, which serves as a feeder team for Garmin-Chipotle, will also attend the race, and includes two US under 23 champions in Peter Stetina and Kirk Carlson.
Target Training will also send a team, including 2008 Connecticut criterium and road race champion Stephen Badger and the 2008 New Hampshire under 23 criterium champion, Ben Zawacki.
A team from Jamaica will lend some regional flavour to the race, with top local cyclists expected to be out in big numbers to test their mettle.
The first of the four stages will take the form of a 10 mile individual time trial starting from Paradise Bar & Grill in George Town at 7am tomorrow.
Second stage will be a criterium race in downtown George Town, starting at 12:30pm Saturday. The race will see cyclists flying through the corners at frightening speed and promises to be quite spectacular.
The third stage will take place on Sunday at 9:30am in a circuit race starting and finishing at Governor’s Square.
The final stage takes place on Monday at 7am, with cyclists taking on a 75 mile road race starting and finishing at Public Beach.
The top quality field was made possible by the generous assistance of the Ministry of Sports, Butterfield, Walkers, Piedra Winery and RE/MAX. Additional sponsorship assistance was provided by Don Foster’s, Ritz-Carlton, Cayman Islands Helicopters, Coconut Car Rentals and Tortuga Rums.
The race organisers are encouraging all enthusiasts in Cayman to come out and support the cyclists, whether by racing alongside them or cheering them on along the route.
For more information on the race visit www.cicycling.com.
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