Cycling Heroes
Theresa Harper – St. Croix
Despite an early morning rain, Cyclists were undeterred as they gathered at DC Canegata Ballpark for the 2nd annual America’s Paradise Challenge. Hosted by the Virgin Islands Cycling Federation (VICF), this community event drew Cyclists from St. Croix, St. Thomas, Tortola, and Guyana. Bates Trucking & Trash Removal sponsored the $15,000 in cash prizes for the top three finishers across seven racing categories.
With last year’s Elite winner absent, the field of six Cyclists was wide open.St. Croix’s Stephen Swanton and Matias Porporato pulled ahead on the first lap of the 55-mile course, establishing a two-minute lead over Alex Betancourt. Swanton and Porporato stayed neck and neck until the final half-mile, where Swantonsurged ahead to claim first place. Betancourt finished third. Swanton also dominated the two designated prime sprints - one on Southside Road at Mary Paws and the other at the top of Point Udall - both sponsored by Islands Life Adventures.
The Expert Group featured a mix of familiar faces and fresh talent. Gareth Thomas from Tortola led the 45-mile race from the start, doubling his lead to six minutes by the end of the second lap. However, prime sprint prizes went to Jerry Remie and Juancito Gario. Gario finished second in the final sprint, followed by Ted Prosper in third.
In the Elite Women’s division, the 40-mile race saw a battle between St. Croix’s top female Cyclist, Robin Seila, Esther Ellis, and newcomer Amy Herber. Herber grabbed the prime sprint prize at Mary Paws Road, but Seila gained speed in the second lap to win by over a minute, with Ellis taking second and Heber finishing third in her debut race on St. Croix.
Fourteen-year-old Xander Morales had dominated the Sport Division throughout the 2024 competitive cycling season, and this day was no different. Although Guy Augustin reached the prime location first, Morales left the small group behind on the climb up Grassy Point. He crossed the finish line over three minutes ahead of augustin. Ralph Bartlett followed closely behind
for third place.
The Masters category, featuring cyclists aged 55 and older, showcased impressive speed. Mango Tree Rider’s Lucien Lake, collected the prime prize and pushed the pace to finish first in the 25-mile race, followed by Angel Ventura in second, and last year’s winner, St. Thomas’ Howard Jones, in third.
Junior Development, a key focus for VICF, saw Logan Keys, age 15, dominate the 15-mile Junior race, securing both the prime and first place. In his first-ever bike race, 16-year old Vedant Mittal took second, followed by 15-year old Randy Williams in third.
The event’s success was made possible by the generous support of Bates Trucking & Trash Removal, Diageo USVI, Napa Auto Parts, Fleming Transport Co., Carlos Furniture, Senator Kurt Vialet, Paradise Freight, Islands Life adventures, Senator Diane Capehart, Clifford Joseph, Leatherback Brewing Co. the Office of The Governor, VIPD, VIEMS, Dept. of Public Works, Dept. of Sports, Parks & Recreation, St. Croix Misfits Motorbike Club, Mango Tree Riders, DJ Paul Bandoo, DEAR Productions and many local volunteers and organizations.
For more info on cycling events in the Virgin Islands please contact VICF 340-643-5050.
