Members of the press and the Executive Committee of the Anguilla Amateur Cycling Association met at Telecoms House on Tuesday, June 24. The purpose of the meeting was to officially announce that Cable and Wireless, for the third consecutive year, would be contributing in a big way to the 9th annual John T Memorial Race.

Members of the AACA L-R: Derick Carty Pat Hodge and Sharon Lowe

Avon Carty, Corporate Communications Manager of Cable and Wireless welcomed all the invitees and then promptly handed over the floor to Christonie Fleming, Acting Chief Executive. Mr. Fleming was proud to announce that Cable and Wireless, would once again contribute heavily towards all the prize money and trophies. He said, “We are interested in sponsoring anything with social impact and even more when it deals with the youth. This event has become one of the most important events on the local calendar as well as the region and this is great for Anguilla. I want to congratulate the cycling association for their success.” Representing the cycling association was their President Pat Hodge, Public Relations Officer Derick Carty and Secretary Sharon Lowe.

Mr. Carty expressed his sincere thanks to Cable and Wireless for once again being on board with the race. He went on to explain that C&W was not only helping with the John T. Race which is set to start Sunday, July 6 at 10 am, but also with the OECS racing championships that will be held on July 4 commencing at 8 am on the Jeremiah Gumbs Highway. The AACA is extremely excited about the race and is equally excited about the fact that it has become a premier event on the calendar in the region. Mr. Carty went on to explain that cyclists use this race to see how good they really are. It is sort of a benchmark for competitors. Last year, a gentleman from Guadeloupe won the race but the Anguillan cyclists placed extremely well. They are looking for good results this year from local riders such as Claude Richardson, Danny Laud, Charles Bryan, Ronnie Bryan and Godfrey Pollydord.

This year, when the main race finishes, there will be a junior male and female race. Also, the route will change somewhat with a loop around Island Harbour on the last lap. Cyclists will hail from St. Lucia, St. Croix, St. Vincent, St. Kitts, Tortola, Antigua, Guyana, Barbados and Anguilla. The race itself will have 60 to 70 cyclists and the route is 78 miles long. The winners will be expected to come in after four hours of racing and the first 20 positions will receive prizes. People finishing in the top 20 will receive money, a trophy and specially branded gear provided by Cable and Wireless. The starting and finishing points will be at Cable and Wireless. The lead pack will be guided by the Bmobile car and the various radio stations will cover the event live. The event promises to be exciting so the public is encouraged to come out and enjoy the race.

- Jason Allen

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