THE VALLEY, Anguilla, CMC – Edwige Belair, a 19-year-old Marie-Galante representing the VGC Cycling Club of St Maarten, won the 13th regional John Thomas Memorial Classic race here Sunday.
Belair, who was always in the lead pack of the 37 starters, clocked three hours, 39 minutes 47.194 seconds over the 131 kilometres course to finish ahead of Clarico Mickael of Guadeloupe (3.39:47.287).
Damien Maroni, a 23-year-old native of France but who now represents VGC of St Maarten, was third in 3.39:50.620.
Belair said he was delighted to have won the race from such a competitive field away from home.
Walter Grant Stuart, Guyana’s national road race champion and the 2011 John T. Memorial winner, finished a disappointing seventh in this year’s race.
Grant-Stuart, who was a member of the early pack of cyclists at the start of the contest, told reporters at the end of the race that his performance was hampered due to severe cramps in both legs.
The physically challenged rider, who lost his right arm in a motor vehicle accident four years ago, said: “I still felt I was in with a good chance to regain the title but the cramps proved too much for me today.” Grant Stuart, who was a big hit with the cycling fans following last year’s triumph, commended the riders from St Maarten and Guadeloupe for their good performances in the 90-degree heat.
Cyclists from Barbados, St Vincent and the Grenadines, United States and the British Virgin Islands also competed in the event but finished well down the field.
Paul de Nobrega of Guyana won the junior race over 80km.
The John T. Memorial Caribbean cycling classic is staged annually in honour of the late John Thomas who was a pioneer in the cycling arena on the island.