Peter Sellier (Mike’s Bikes) sponsored by Music Radio 97 had a convincing win of the eight-lap open one division of the Rincon Mountain Bike Race near Las Cuevas, on Sunday.
He finished in a time of one hour, 21 minutes and 46 seconds to defend his title, nearly two minutes ahead of Ryan Chin in second and Christopher Govia in third (both of Breakaway) who crossed the line within seconds of each other. Kevin Tinto (Central Spokes) came fourth.
The top three finishers share the same coach, Drew Edsall (USA), who also accompanied the T&T national mountain bike team as national coach for the Caribbean Mountain Bike Championships held in Puerto Rico last year. Three women entered the three-lap open two race, but only two finished as one had mechanical issues and had to withdraw. Manuela Rueede (Tobago MTB Tours) came first followed by Kayomi Rankine (Rainbow Warriors) in second.
The open two division had the largest number of participants with 38 starting and five not finishing. Enrique Pablo (Heatwave) won the open two division overall, also capturing the top juvenile prize. Stefan Sellier came second and Adande Piggott (MTB Kings) came third. Michael Phillips (Mike’s Bikes) won the masters 40-49 category and Derrick Silva (Northern Rangers) won the masters 50 plus.
But perhaps the most noteworthy, was Matthew Wortman (Giants), just 11 years old, capturing the tinymite 13-14 top prize. Wortman and Scott-Michael Shaw (Northern Rangers), just ten years old, both decided to compete in the open two event after competing and winning in their respective age divisions in the youth development kids race that preceded the main event.
“Such determination to compete in and complete such a challenging and unfamiliar course at such a young age is the mark of future mountain bike champions,” said Penny Sellier, secretary of Northern Rangers Mountain Bike Club, organiser of the event and mother of top mountain biker, Peter Sellier.
Powerade sponsored the cash prizes for the open one division, and provided the much needed refreshments for spectators and competitors. Classic Awards sponsored the medals and trophies. The next T&T Cycling Federation Mountain Bike League Race is scheduled for May 14. Look out for more information about this event soon.