U.S. cyclists enjoy Cayman race

By Cayman Sports Buzz
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Updated: 21 July 2017

Sports goes a long way in building partnerships and friendships that last long after competition ends. So, the Cayman Islands Cycling Association was pleased to welcome some unfamiliar faces for its most recent race on 16 July, 2017.

A group of five riders from the Cycle Depot.com Cycling Team from Miami visited Grand Cayman for the race. Their weekend trip was organised by team member Andy Teixiera.

“We came here to have some fun on the bikes and see the island. I come here annually just for vacation and I wanted these guys to see the island because I really enjoy it when I’m down here on vacation,” he told CaymanSportsBuzz.com.

Cycle Depot.com Cycling Team with local riders Jerome Ameline (L), Edward Harper and Rachael Gooden (R).

Joining Teixiera were Edgar Maldanado, Ronel Manresa, Ransford Robinson Jr. and Ashley Russell. They competed against 23 other local riders in the 27-mile handicap group race that started in Bodden Town and moved through Frank Sound, into North Side and across the Queen’s Highway through East End and back.

The field was staggered with five-minute intervals and majority of the team started in the final group with elite local cyclists.

“It was fast. We chased like mad men for an hour but we never caught the group that started five minutes in front of us,” Teixiera said. They did give a good effort, as Manresa and Robinson Jr finished in the top 10.

While the trip was centred around a cycling race, team members ensured they enjoyed the brief visit to the island, including trips to Stingray City, Rum Point and Camana Bay. “They got to see some of the island and got some racing in,” Teixiera said before leaving at the end of the race to head back to the airport.

CICA General Secretary, Edward Harper, said it was a welcome addition to have the visiting riders join in. “It was excellent. It’s always good to have new faces and to have visitors come down,” he said. “It was really good to see. They enjoyed the experience and I think we can do more of it.”

Harper said he hopes the association will be able to continue attracting overseas riders to take a brief vacation to the island to compete.

He also said a reciprocal arrangement is something that could be considered.

“We already have a few guys who will go to Florida and do some rides. What we can do is target an event and send a group, not just the stronger guys but to get some experience for the others. It is really a good possibility to help build the sport,” Harper told CaymanSportsBuzz.com.