We are in Curacao for the Caribbean Road Race Championships. 12 nations are participating. The 17 contracted riders have been joined by many of their compatriots, plus two nations who do not have a signed rider.
Anguilla Antigua and Barbuda Aruba Bahamas Barbados Cuba Curaçao Dominican Republic Jamaica Puerto Rico St Lucia Trinidad and Tobago
And we have a hilly course, starting and ending on the coast, but heading inland for a hilly circuit for much of the day.
These are some of the anticipated contenders:
MO
HL
SP
Team
Bru
Fulgencio
60
77
66
Free Agent
Marcos
Leandro
62
73
65
Minions
Sulvaran
Gyasi
68
72
65
Carlsberg - DB
Bridges
Jyme
64
72
71
Podium Ambition
Postma
Renze
69
71
65
Free Agent
Samuel
Gevan
69
71
66
Free Agent
Gayral
Joshua
65
71
70
Podium Ambition
Croes
Jonathan
69
71
62
Podium Ambition
Alexander
Nathan
70
71
61
Podium Ambition
Callendar
Ross
71
70
58
Free Agent
Companioni
Ruben
72
70
67
Free Agent
Cruz
Adderlyn
70
70
66
Free Agent
De Cuba
Rodney
62
69
51
Free Agent
Martinez
Yasmani
73
69
64
Free Agent
Hennis
Hasani
67
69
72
Podium Ambition
Away they go!
The star of the breakaway is Kristin Vanderpool, the only pro rider in the group of 6. Local rider Beker is here too, along with Martinez (Puerto Rico), Dirksz (Aruba), Gomez (T&T), Colebrook (Bahamas) and Guzman (Dom. Republic)
Cuba showing a lot of interest in controlling the peloton, and keeping the breakaway in check - with Bru and Marcos, it does make sense. In 2nd wheel below is former MG Pro Yasmani Martinez, who is distinguishing himself by riding with a different jersey to his teammates. Antigua and Barbuda also involved in the pacesetting.
The course today is not to the suiting of all pros, including the two most expensive. Goldwijnn Cannister and just behind him, Cristian Perez, have lost the peloton by 60km to go.
48km to go and the breakaway are in sight, just a minute ahead. Sat towards the back of the peloton, we see Hennis (in Orange) and Norbert. This race I think marking the first ever racing action from riders representing Anguila and St Lucia - both having been signed by Podium Ambition this season.
This is a turn up! Towards the top of the hill with 45km to go, Bru has been dropped! Finding himself without a team this season likely hasn't been good for his morale recently, but he's not exactly advertising himself here.
Back to the coast now, Vanderpool has set off alone. Curacaon Beker, with Colebrook of Bahamas, are the two left in between.
There's one more trip in land for the final big climb of the race, and despite the peloton not having too much impetus with the loss of intent from Cuba - but it will be a step too far for Vanderpool take the win for Barbados here. The catch is made - as Sulvaran attacks!
Marcos, Bridges and Croes go with him, as they establish a small gap.
But the response led by Trinidad and Tobago, plus Hennis, closes it down.
23 riders left going over the tap, although two are a little detached. This includes Alexander, but he makes it back.
5km to go and a couple of riders from Aruba are setting the pace - this includes Jean Junor, who took a rare Stagiare victory back in 2016, at the Tour du Faso.
The fastest finishers in this group include Bridges, who sits in 3rd place, along with Hennis and Norbert, who are towards the back.
There's a rise with 3km to go and Bridges decides to lay the pressure down. Marcos also looking to place an attack.
It's an interesting move so close to the sprint, but could be effective. Hennis and Norbert have both been dropped, along with the remaining two Puerto Rico riders - this includes Podium Ambition signing Morales Ortega.
Bridges and Marcos still lead the way approaching the final kilometre, followed by Maduro, Campbell, Mosquera and Cole. Local favourite Sulvaran is at the back though, and probably out of contention.
The sprint is off! Bridges, Marcos and Campbell lead the way - two Podium Ambition riders, with a Minion in the middle, closely followed by Aruba and Curacao free agents.
Akil Campbell edges into the lead!
But Jyme Bridges is fighting back.
And Jyme Bridges is the Caribbean champion of 2021! He takes the win for Antigua and Barbuda, and for Podium Ambition.
2nd for PA teammate Campbell of Trinidad and Tobago, while local rider Reynaldo Mosquea has finished 3rd, to earn a medal for Curacao.
Curacao for the Caribbean Road Race Championships. 12 nations are participating. The 17 contracted riders have been joined by many of their compatriots, plus two nations who do not have a signed rider.
Anguilla
Antigua and Barbuda
Aruba
Bahamas
Barbados
Cuba
Dominican Republic
Jamaica
Puerto Rico
St Lucia
Trinidad and Tobago
