Xander Morales, 13, at the starting line. (Photo courtesy Virgin Islands Cycling Federation)
Sports federations worldwide celebrate Olympic Day with a special event in June, following a tradition that began in 1948. The Virgin Islands Cycling Federation organized a bike race on Sunday morning to honor the Olympic spirit.
The bike race, Riding To The Rings Time Trial, was designed to encourage cyclists to strive for greatness and set their sights on reaching the Olympic rings. The event was sponsored by the Virgin Islands Olympic Committee, according to the press release.
Cyclists were sent off from the starting line in Estate Solitude at one-minute intervals. The course took the riders around St Croix’s east end, completing a loop, the press release stated.
Top juniors – from left, Jerry Remie (coach and grandfather of Daniel), Daniel Remie, 12, KoleBert Daisley, 13, Kenji Nieves, 14. (Photo courtesy Virgin Islands Cycling Federation)
The overall winner of the 13-mile race was Stephen Swanton, in a time of 36:03. James Bates was the clear winner of the Expert category in a time of 40:01. Xander Morales, 13, was the fastest in the Sport division and was also the sixth fastest overall in a time of 41:07. Rich Grippo was the fastest in the Masters’ division (54:29); Malika Maynard dominated the Women’s division by nearly two minutes (55:09). KoleBert Daisley was the fastest junior cyclist (48:36), the release stated.
Top Three Elite: from left, David Morales, Stephen Swanton, Robin Seila (Photo courtesy Virgin Islands Cycling Federation)
The next event on the VICF schedule is this Sunday at 7 a.m. at Fort Frederik.
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