MARIGOT—Sunday’s third annual Fête de St. Louis Cycle Race organised by the VCG Club was marked by a thrilling finish in the Elite’s category between ASM’s Danny Laud and VCG’s rising star Alban Clerc, remarkably still a junior rider.
Seniors, Juniors and cadets rode together. Seniors and Juniors completed 11 laps of the course and Cadets nine.
Laud just managed to nudge his front wheel in front of Clerc’s as both lunged for the line in a classic photo finish worthy of the Tour de France. The image was captured perfectly by photographer Debi Hyman.
Justin Hodge was third, Zambesi Richardson from Anguilla fourth and Cyclone Club’s Joost Huele was fifth. Patricio “Blade” Carty (ASM) finished sixth and Mark Maidwell (Mo Trouble) moving up from Masters, came in seventh,
Adelio Brooks in the selection team sealed victory in the Cadet’s category ahead of Noel Kianny (ASM) and Kenrick Cozier (selection).
The Master’s category (five laps) was won by Otis Cotton (Mo Trouble), Ferdinand Philogene (ASM) was second and Alfred Berchel (ASC Vet).
The women’s race was won by Cyclone Club’s Annelies Starreveld, Susy Piscione (ASM) was second and Murielle Lancien (ASM) finished third.
In the children’s categories run in the afternoon, Anguilla’s Kai Ruan won Minimes, Kenny Carty (ASM) won Benjamin’s, Jahkim Carty (ASM) Pupilles and Anguilla’s Ruan Kamari first in Poussins.
The racing in the morning was marred by an accident that sent Dedou Benitez to hospital. Benitez was taken out by a group of youths who recklessly passed the riders on scooters, knocking Benitez to the ground and reportedly continued on their way without stopping.
He was taken to hospital but released later in the day. It was not clear what injuries he sustained in the fall.
This coming weekend May 21 and 22 sees a two-day race for Cadets, to include riders from Guadeloupe and Martinique in preparation for the upcoming tours of Guadeloupe and Martinique in June and July.
St. Martin’s cadet selection is due to be presented this Friday evening at the Cycling Committee headquarters in Grand Case.
Source: Daily Herald
Laud beats Clerc by a whisker at cycle race
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