Early Saturday morning, 29 cyclists took to the roads of St. Croix as they competed in the Virgin Islands Cycling Federation’s 2023 Individual Trial Championship Race.
The field was separated into six divisions. Stephen Swanton took the overall top honor as he finished the Elite 24-mile Course in 1:04.06. Second-place finisher Alex Betancourt kept the pressure on Swanton for the entire race as he crossed the finish line in a time of 1:04.56. David Morales rounded out the top division recording a respectable time of 1:08.29.
Only three brave souls stepped up to the challenge of the 24-mile course. The rest of the 26 participants displayed their talents on a 12-mile route. Norbert Prospere was the star of the Expert Division, outriding six other competitors in a time of 33.51. Jerry Remie and James Bates were the other two podium winners entering times of 34:22 and 35:19, respectively.
This year, the ladies had a great showing with seven female riders. Robin Seila showed all the “Expert” riders the correct way to ride as she turned in the top time of all the participants on the 12-mile course. Seila’s front tire broke the plain of the finish line in a blistering 33:31. Esther Ellis took second place in the Women’s Division, recording a time of 37:38. Kat Brownsdon captured third place in a time of 38:18.
The championships also featured Sport, Masters, and Juniors Divisions. Mario Butcher was the top cyclist in the Sport Division with a time of 37:17. Brian O’Reilly was golden in the Master’s Division, completing the course in 41:11. Randy Williams led the way in the juniors division, pedaling through the finish line in a time of 45:08.
