Sports

Attracting top Jamaican cyclists as well as competitors from other countries, the event, which ran from April 5 to 8 in the Rose Hall area and culminated in Ironshore, not only showcased the island’s stunning landscapes, tailormade for international cycling, but saw a resurgent and enthusiastic fanbase that braved the sun to cheer all weekend.

The South American team won all individual and team titles on offer after three days of competitive cycling of the highest quality, as Wilmar Paredes Zapata won the overall singles title ahead of teammate Walter Vargas Alzate, while American Gabriel Mendez of Team WBHB earned third spot. Ecuador’s Wilson Haro Criollo and Honduran Fredd Matute Baca – both representing Old Harbour’s Elevation Cycling Club were fourth and sixth overall, as Team Medellin secured four spots in the top-10.

More than 10 teams from across three continents are already on the island to battle for top prizes from a purse of US$11,120.

The Elevation Cycling Club was formed in 2021 and has quickly established itself as one of the top clubs in the country, hosting frequent development race meets while boasting some of the nation’s top riders in both elite and junior categories.

This is the first time, however, they will be competing in the Jamaica International Classic and according to club president Velena Creary to compete at this level means a lot to them.

At that time Scott was the fourth person from the Old Harbour region to represent Jamaica at the Olympic level, joining Neville Myton who was the first to have done so two decades ago, Carol Cummings and Colin Bradford.

Like Myton, Scott did not make the podium but without doubt left a mark that serves as inspiration to those seeking motivation to attain such levels.

The reviews have been positive from motorists and passengers travelling this smooth 17-kilometre four-lane carriageway.

And another group has now added its voice to glowing reviews.

Orwyn Richmond is the head coach of the Elevation Cycling Club which is based here in Bodles, Old Harbour, the same community that produced Andre Russell, one of cricket’s biggest stars currently.

Each weekend Richmond takes his team of cyclists on a training regimen across the island stretching more than a hundred miles back and forth.

Victory moved Tacky, one of the favourites to win the title overall this season, to the top of Zone D to remain unbeaten after two games.

Tacky’s impressive win was setup by Tyson Gordon Jr’s undefeated knock of 102, as the hosts posted 294 for two after being sent in to bat.

Gordon shared in two important partnerships with Javere Green (91) and Marland Williams (42) which laid the foundation for a massive total.

Batting first on a very good Port Esquivel pitch, Tacius Golding were bowled out for 87 with 13-year-old Thomas bagging 7-23, while Powell (2-16) and Jhamario Lewis (1-22) claiming the other wickets.

In response, Old Harbour High raced to 90 for six in 16 overs, with Powell top-scoring with 55 from 39 balls.

Tacius Golding’s talismanic all-rounder Jemoy Cummings, who had recorded a topscore of 29 runs with the bat, returned best figures of 4-36 in the Zone D encounter.

Forrest, the reigning national champion and top elite rider for the host club, powered to victory along the final stretch to claim the largest prize money in the history of local cycling at club level.

Obrian Madourie finished second, while junior rider Peter Robinson rode brilliantly to surprise himself and the field to claim third despite experiencing severe cramps approaching the finish line.

On January 14 the club will host its first event of the new calendar year dubbed ‘Come Watch We Elevate’ along the Mineral Heights to 19 Miles circuit in Clarendon.

All categories of races will be hotly contested with the $100,000 feature race, a carryover from last year’s final meet on December 17, the most eagerly anticipated on the cards.

Leslie, running unattached, won with a time of 16 minutes and 58 seconds from a field of 49 competitors.

He crossed the finish line well ahead second-placed Waval Davis (17:17) and Odane Davidson (17:37), to continue his rich form at the moment following victory at the Reggae Half Marathon.

This was Leslie’s first time winning the event as he was beaten in 2019 and last year’s edition, a significant sign of his improvement.

Stadecia Willis was the first female to cross the line as she topped her division with a mark of 23 minutes and 35 seconds.