The Virgin Islands Cycling Federation Mountain Bike Team returned from Tortola on Sunday after competing in the final leg of the Caribbean Cup Mountain Bike Series.
Four racers competed from St.Croix, including Jamie Bate; Jamie Keys; John Harper; and Mike McQueston. Two riders from St. Thomas, Charlotte Morris and Chris Haigh, also competed.
One word describes the race courses and the island — steep. An uphill race, which Morris competed in, put St. Croix’s Beast to shame. The downhill was long and technical, but that didn’t stop Keys from taking first in the Sport Division. Morris took second in the Women's category.
Before the cross country event on Sunday morning, the BVI Cycling Federation held a pasta party/carbo load on Saturday night. The traditional meal is a chance for riders and support teams from several Caribbean islands to mingle.
The cross country race was on Sunday. Again the course was very technical with steep climbs and some incredibly rocky and rooty sections. A couple of rain showers during the race made it all the more interesting, turning much of the course into a hike-and-bike.
Overall the V.I., particularly St. Croix, did well, with Keys winning the cross country race in the Sport Division and McQueston taking third. Morris raced to another second place in the Women's Cross Country.
The St. Croix team’s travel to Tortola was made easier through a charter flight with Crucian International Airlines.
Next year the Cup will run March through June, on St.Croix, Antigua, Tortola and St. Kitts.
Back on St. Croix, the VICF is gearing up for the fall/winter season by promoting weekly group rides and sponsoring races. Group rides are on Fridays and start at the Schooner Bay Market at 4 p.m. The federation is actively looking for membership and hopes to develop a larger rider base.
Anyone interested in becoming involved with cycling or who would just like to find out a little bit more about it should contact President Mike McQueston at 772-2343 or email him here.