Unbiased look at the Sint Maarten Elections
MARIGOT--VCG's Nicolas Dumont won the Classement General of the 2015 Nagico to Nagico Cycle race by the slimmest of margins, just one second, in 5:34:51, it emerged after the finish of Sunday's last race in Rue de La République, Marigot, in front of the Nagico office.
ASBM's Luis Sablon from Guadeloupe was second overall in the Classement (5:34:52) with USR Vélo's Giovanni Rousseau, also from Guadeloupe, taking third overall (5:35:47).
Sunday's 123K race was won by ASBM's Adam Pierzga in 3:15:7, a clear 41 seconds in front of Luis Sablon, while Miguel Ubeto took third to make it a clean sweep on the podium for ABSM. The race was run at an average speed of 37.97kmh.
Pierzga, fifth overall in the Classement General, was most of the time riding alone in the last race, way out in front of the pack. VCG leader Ludovic Turpin, a former winner of this race, was fifth in Sunday's last stage and seventh overall.
The last race took the riders, whittled down to 21 from 29 on Friday, around the island after the start in Philipsburg before ending with three loops of the Lagoon and a leg to French Cul-de-Sac before returning to finish at Nagico in Marigot.
VCG's Dean Hodge was one of six riders who retired from the race Sunday, succumbing to the gruelling nature of the competition over the three days.
Patricio "Blade" Carty was the highest-placed finisher for the ASM team in 12th place overall.
"I'm pleased with my result after three days of racing as this was the first big competition of the season," said Blade afterwards. "Only today my legs started to feel heavy on the second climb of Douglas Hill. The preparation was very good from my coach, but I put it down to lack of competition."
Saturday's first 82K race was won by ASMB's Luis Sablon in 2:07:52, Giovanni Rousseau was second and Nicolas Dumont third. VCG's Jayson Rousseau who was hoping to defend his 2014 title finished a disappointing 12th after an excellent time trial on Friday, but revealed he had hurt his knee training in Guadeloupe three days earlier and opted not to continue racing.
"After the time trial I thought I would be okay with icing the knee, but after the first race I realised it was not wise to continue and maybe do more damage that could jeopardise my chances for the rest of the season," said Rousseau. "It is what it is and that's part of sport. It's a pity it happened in St. Martin. In a week's time I have a big race in France so I have to take care of the knee."
The Sucker Garden to Cay Hill 5K time trial Saturday afternoon was won by Adam Pierzga in 8:01 followed by Ludovic Turpin in second (8:11) and Nicolas Dumont third (8:18).
The 36K race for the Cadets (up to 16 years) on Saturday saw a bunch sprint with seven riders getting the same finishing time. VCG's Adelio Brooks won the 5K time trial later. VCG's Alban Clerc won the category overall due to his win in Friday's time trial. Rodriguez Weinum second overall and Adelio Brooks third overall.
Préfet Philippe Chopin was on hand Sunday to present trophies to the winners in the various categories assisted by Vice-President Wendel Cocks, Territorial Councillor Alain Gros-Desormeaux, and the girls and senior officials from Nagico.
President of VCG St. Elmo Arnell praised the cooperation of both island governments in making the event another success, and the police from both sides for making it a safe race. While there were, inevitably, one or two motorists who objected to the temporary inconvenience there were no complaints from competitors over the security aspects.
"My only disappointment is that we did not get the number of senior riders we had expected, however, I must say that this is the year the youth made a great impact and that is very encouraging for the future of the sport," said Arnell.
Over 20 youth riders took part in the event. After the last race on Sunday short circuits were organised for three age categories; Benjamins (11-12 years ) five loops, Pupilles (9-10 years) three loops, and Poussins (7-8) one loop. There was also a highly entertaining 500metre dash with two kids who were not more than six years old. It was won by Ashton Benitez.
