Aug. 28, 2008 – Antiguan cyclist Ken Jackson made the most of his trip to St. Croix, easily capturing first place in the 45-mile La Grange Loop race on Sunday, Aug. 24. Jackson and fellow down-islander Neil Lloyd were out numbered, but not outgunned, as they dominated the race.
Jackson used the most basic tactic available to quality racer – attack off the front and see if anyone else has the horsepower to keep up. The Cruzan riders from STX 340 and Twin City were either unable or unwilling to work together to mount a defense, as Jackson controlled the final four circuits of the 10-lap race and won in 2:03:55. Cumber Greaux held on for second in 2:04:02, and Apolinar Acevedo was third in 2:04:24. Jackson took home $300 for his efforts.
The 27-mile Expert division looked like more of a training ride than a race for most of the six laps. The entire 12-man field pedaled at a leisurely pace until Marius Modest powered off the front in the final 200 yards, to win in 1:16:40. STX 340 teammate Dwight Sergeant was second, two seconds back, with Troy Holloway third in 1:17:07.
The three-lap, 13.5-mile Sport Category saw more intense action. The riders switch off in the lead throughout the contest. Luis Cruz out sprinted Mark Kennedy to win by one second in 39:07. Joseph Thomas was another second back in third.
The Women’s race was more of a solo affair as Denise Blanchette led the entire way, winning in 44:06. Darynnette Acevedo finished next in 44:38 and Janet Jeanpierre rounded out the top three in 52:07.
The next race will be held on Sunday, Aug. 31. This will be the first points-paying mountain race on the VI Cycling Federation calendar and will be held at 7 a.m., Ferdi’s Forest.
For more information, call 773-8456.
Elite – 45 miles
1. Ken Jackson – 2:03:55
2. Cumber Greaux – 2:04:02
3. Apolinar Acevedo – 2:04:24
4. DeWayne Smith – 2:04:29
5. John Riggs – 2:04:30
6. Neil Lloyd – 2:05:00
7. Paul Trivino -2:05:01
8. Glenn Massiah – 2:05:02
Expert – 27 miles
1. Marius Modeste – 1:16:40
2. Dwight Sergeant – 1:16:42
3. Jonathan Cruz – 1:16:46
4. Troy Holloway – 1:17:07,
5. James Meyers – 1:17:08
6. Richard Jeanpierre – 1:17:09
7. Alex Betancourt – 1:17:10
8. Nelson Rojas – 1:18:17
9. Ferdi Abraham – 1:20:52
10. Miguel Cruz* – 1:17:06
11. Dale Scope* – 1:17:07
David Nowack – DNF
Edwin Cruz -DNF
Sport – 13.5 miles
1. Luis Cruz – 39:07
2. Mark Kennedy – 39:08
3. Joseph Thomas – 39:10
4. Mark Defour – 39:11
5. Dick Isherwood – 39:12
6. Fred Flint – 40:33
7. Yves Abraham – 41:15
8. Vern Alleyne – 42:07
9. Marius Louis – 42:10
10. Sunni Christopher – 43:34
11. Gary Jett – 44:33
12. Paul Gillette – 49:20
13. Cecil Hodge – 57:28
Women – 13.5 miles
1. Denise Blanchette – 44:06,
2. Darynnette Acevedo – 44:38,
3. Janet Jeanpierre – 52:07
4. Patricia Ramon – 55:00
