Defending time trial champion, Chris Ghiorse, topped a field of 19 during last Sunday’s National Time Trial Championships, setting a new record of 50 minutes, 34 seconds on a 21-miles course that is a mile longer than the original route.

Covering Palestina to the Frenchman’s Cay junction and back twice, Ghiorse said that the course was good since it allowed everyone to a view of each other at different stages.

“I actually went a bit too hard at the start and I was excited about how I felt and when I turned around in the wind, it was a different story,” said Ghiorse.

Ghiorse’s finish ensures him a spot on the VI’s team for the 8th annual Caribbean Cycling Championships which will be staged in St. Vincent on a course that he won convincingly two years ago. But the veteran rider said he is opting out to ensure his embryonic cycling safety programme is successfully introduced to public schools this year.

“I am hoping that in the next five years some of these kids that I am introducing to cycling will become bike riders and racers themselves. However, I hoping that the team can go down and have a great time, even if I didn’t do the fastest time, the BVI will have some representatives there and show the rest of the Caribbean that the BVI is serious about its cycling programme,” Ghiorse explained.

In his absence, Mark Smith who finished second in Sunday’s race in a time of 52 minutes, 47 seconds will lead the Territory’s charge for the men at the regional competition and will be supported by fourth place finisher Andrew “Tubes” Thompson.

Darrell Christopher Jr. who finished third is ineligible to compete as he is too young.

“I went hard on the way down and took advantage of the wind and on the way back Chris passed me on the first lap back and I paced him for a bit…it kept me going and in contention for a second place. It’s the fastest time I have done in the time trial…I am pleased that I have participated and I look forward to St. Vincent,” Smith noted

Lisa Adamson made up considerable ground during the race, becoming the first rider in both categories to cross the finish line and finished third overall in 54 minutes, 23 seconds.

“Halfway around I realised I needed to pick up the speed a bit more. The first lap down I was doing a good speed 27-29 miles with the tail wind, and then on the way back up when the wind hit me, I realised that the next time around I had to make up some time. Even though in a time trial the line doesn’t count, for me it made a big difference knowing that the guys were behind me,” said Adamson who qualifies for the Caribbean Cycling Championships.

“I enjoy time trials once I am into it. I get extremely nervous and feel very nauseous. I like the endurance and I fight against myself. With the time trial, I feel a bit more comfortable and that is something I will work on a little harder in the next month before we go,” Adamson added.

Adamson will be joined in St. Vincent by Sally Blackmore and Patlian Johnson, who finished second and third respectively.

The Jason Bally Memorial and the National Championships takes place this Sunday.

Results: 

Men

1. Chris Ghiorse 50minutes 34 seconds; 2. Mark Smith 52’47; 3. Darel Christopher Jr. 54’34; 4. Andrew “Tubes” Thompson 54’37; 5. Philippe Leroy 57’39; 6. Gareth Thomas 57’46; 7. Antony Spenser 1’01:46; 8.Steve Marsh 1’02:54; 9. Antonio Andrews 1’05:32; 10. Matthew Collins 1’06:21; 11. Rusty Burns 1’13:37; 12. Erasmus George 1’16:06; 13. Inigo Collins 1’23:14. DNF Neil Thomas

Women

1. Lisa Adamson 54’23; 2. Sally Blackmore 1’04:44; 3. Patlian Johnson 1’06:28; 4. Kay Reddy 1’11:48; 5. Anna Kinnersly 1’30:14.

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