St. John’s Antigua- Veteran cyclist Robert Marsh has proven once more that he is still the fastest man on a bike in Antigua & Barbuda when he produced a record breaking time of 35:32 to capture Sunday’s 16-miles Individual Time Trial hosted by Antigua & Barbuda Cycling Association (ABCA).
Marsh, a Club Savoy rider, erased the standing course record time of 35:51 set by another national rider, Jyme Bridges Jr, in 2010 to adjust the new course record by over 20 seconds.
Marsh captured the event ahead of last year’s winner, Marvin Spencer, of Team Terminix who also produced an outstanding time of 35:57.
National Triathlete Andre Simon was not far behind as he caused an upset, finishing third to squeeze Bridges off of the podium.
Simon finished in 36:25, while Bridges (36:46), who represents the Rattlers Club, had to settle for fourth place. Dale Richardson (36:51) placed fifth.
Ashley Rhodes gave Club Savoy a victory in the B Class with a time of 39:03 ahead of a gradually improving Walton Francis (39:09) of the Rattlers Club. Both riders gave performances that would place them in good stead where consideration for the national squad ahead of the 2012 Caribbean Cycling Championships here in October.
National Sportswoman, Tamiko Butler, had a poor showing on Sunday, as she was unable to make the podium for the first time since she began contesting the B-Class category. Butler produced a time of 40:38 that was good enough for fourth place. Mervin Gore was fifth in 40:41.
Jaleel Cannonier (43:36) was the best of the Junior Class. He won the 16-mile category while Colin James placed second in 44:39.
The Cadets Class was dominated by Joel Phillip as the 13 year old produced a time of 21:42 over the eight-mile course to beat the national cadet champion, Nigel Fabian (23:19) who placed second.
Lindsay Duffy was the best of the Female Division as she clocked 22:40 to win the female eight-mile race.
Kevinia Francis (25:00) placed second and Wendy Tittle (27:50) was third in her debut.
National Boxing Champion Dexter Simmons (22:36) was the best in the Sports Class. Masters Champion Peter Kelsick was second in 22:43 to place ahead of Nelson Simon (24:22) who was third.
Meanwhile, the next event will take place on June 24 in the city of St John’s when the cycling association hosts the 2012 Top Ranking National Road Cycling Championships.
