Looking Ahead to the Nationals...

This year the local federation has opted to split the National Championships into an individual time trail and the usual road race in an attempt to give us a more international flare as well as encourage our riders to become more rounded and complete in other disciplines. The T/T was held this past Sunday, June 21st, 2009 covering an 11 mile ciruit and under rainy and wet conditions.

Our guys competed and all gave valiant showings with Roger (Zamir) managing 2nd in the elite T/T, Jose (Zamir) getting 3rd in the Master category and Giovanni (Starz) slotting into 2nd for teh U-23. Despite a protest raised by Roger, Marlon Castillo (Santino's) who is offically registered with the Association as a U-23 rider, he was allowed to participate in the Elite T/T and won. This unfortunate relegated Roge to 2nd, otherwise he would have easily captured the Elite title. As soon as the results are posted on the BCA website I'll post the link.

Looking ahead to this Sunday's Road Race, we like our chances going into the 130 mile race. Firstly, not many riders have been training for this sort of distance since the Cross Country, nor have many of them been training on the terrain that this race will cover. Starting in Silk Grass down south and then travelling north thru the Stann Creek Valley the race will pass over some of the toughest climbs the country offers. The Choto's are all great climbers, and Roge is one of the smoothest climbers in the country. The addition of the hard pacing Arnides Rivas and the return of Gian Ochaeta (whose been really sidelined this season since getting a full time job) should really boost our top guys once we've gotten through the hilly sections and hit the flatter more windy part of the race.

In the Master category both Jose (Zamir) and Mateo (Starz) should have solid chances. In the U-23, Giov and Gian should both go well. Last year while riding for their previous team Gian attacked in the last mile and was caught 250 meters from the finish when the sprint started, though of course Marlon Castillo will be a threat in their category. In the Elite category is should be a very interesting race, as our best shot will be to try to put Roger in the best position to win that title against the likes of Greggy and Froggy, both riding for Santino's. Roge is in great condition and coming off some really focused training after a disappointing Cross Country.

More after Sunday!!!