Feb. 28, 2005 – The largest field of local cyclists ever assembled raced on Sunday. Forty-four hardy racers braved the difficult East End of St. Croix, competing in the Counter Clockwise Road Race. The race features a series of extremely challenging hills, starting with Grassy Point and ending four miles later at the top of Yacht Club Hill. This crucible leaves more damage in its wake than a tornado on a trailer park.
The A category raced three laps of the 13 mile loop, for a total of 39 miles. The first two laps featured continuous surges, with Wayne Patrick, Gabe Webber and Jamie Keys pushing the pace. Keys, of the Endurance Sports Team, shattered the field with a surge at the top of Yacht Club Hill, and soloed home for the victory, in 1:56:23. Juancito Gario of STX 340 nipped John Frongillo of Cruzan Sprockets for second place.
The B category raced two laps with Ernst Schuster out sprinting Tyler Jowaisas for the win, in a time of 1:27:58. Kamal Russell was 20 seconds back in third.
The largest group, 23 riders strong, raced the one loop C category. Bert Wolff won with a speedy time of 42:02, nosing out Nelson Rojas. Bertwin Martin was third.
The next race is an individual time trial on March 13, starting at Divi Hotel and finishing at Ha’ Penny Beach Road.
For more information, call 773-8456.