Barbadian cyclist Phillip Clarke (Heatwave) was the winner of the Diego Martin to Debe International Road Cycling Race that took place on Easter Sunday morning. The event highlighted the extension of the South Highway, which now reaches all the way to Debe.
Clarke sprinted the final stretch of the 78 km race to the cheers of excited spectators who lined the finish. He was followed by another Barbadian, Darren Matthews (Slipstream) and Jamaican cyclist Marlo Rodman (PSL). Trinidadian cyclist Christiane Farah (PSL) topped the ladies, followed by Paula Guillen (DPS) and Andrea Guillen (DPS) both of Guatemala.
The top Juniors were Romello Crawford (PSL) followed by Ramon Belmontes (DPS). The Juvenile category was won by Colombian cyclist, Augustine Ortiz. He was followed by Trinidadian Tyler Cole (Rigtech Sonics) and Barbadian cyclist Jacob Kelly (Heatwave). Christopher Gill (Heatwave) won the Masters 40-49 and Courtenay Mark (Corkie's Casuals) won the Masters 50-59 category.
The Diego Martin to Debe International Road Cycling Race was sponsored by the Tourism Development Company and the Ministry of Sport and was the final event of the Easter Cycling Grand Prix. After two days of track cycling events, local and international cyclists competed for $25,000 in prize money in the 78 km race held on Easter Sunday. Starting two and half hours ahead of the race, a huge group of recreational cyclists set out for the Charity Fun Ride, with a rest stop at the Ato Boldon Stadium and newly constructed Velodrome. The Charity Fun Ride arrived in Debe at 9:30 am, welcomed by the Siparia Rhythm Section. Free refreshments were provided by Blue Waters, Gatorade and Kiss. Cyclists were treated to the taste of Debe with traditional Doubles, Pies and Saheena. Excitement continued to build with impending of arrival of the breakaway group of lead cyclists in the International Road Cycling Race.
Senator the Honourable Gerald Hadeed, Minister of Tourism and the Honourable Winston "Gypsy" Peters, Minister of Community Development both participated in the Charity Fun Ride, and were amongst the spectators at the finish, along with Chairman of the Penal/Debe Regional Corporation, Mr Premachand Sookoo.
Registration for the ride and race is being donated to the Children's Life Fund. The event was organised by Phillips Promotions/Mike's Bikes and logistical support was provided by the Penal/Debe Regional Corporation and the community of Debe.
RESULTS
ELITE MEN
Phillip Clarke - Heatwave - Barbados
Darren Matthews - Slipstream - Barbados
Marlo Rodman - PSL - Jamaica
Michael Anthony - Heatwave - Guyana
Camilo Medoza - Colombia
Adam Alexander - Team Foundation - T&T
Jymes Bridges - DPS - Antigua & Barbuda
Steven Cuesta - Colombia
LADIES
Christiane Farah - PSL - T&T
Paula Guillen - DPS - Guatemala
Andrea Guillen - DPS - Guatemala
JUNIORS
Romello Crawford - PSL - Guyana
Ramon Belmontes - DPS - T&T
JUVENILES
Augustine Ortiz - Colombia
Tyler Cole - Rigtech Sonics - T&T
Jacob Kelly - Heatwave - Barbados
MASTERS 40-49
Christopher Gill - Heatwave - T&T
Derrick Simon - Slipstream - T&T
Marlon Coo Ying - PSL - T&T
MASTERS 50-59
Courtenay Mark - Corkies Casuals - T&T
Clyde Pollonais - Southclaine - T&T
Michael Brown - PSL - T&T