Latest News21st Grenada Triathlon May 3/4th 2008 The organizers of the Grenada Triathlon celebrated with there 21st year of hosting this annual event, and for the very first time the Olympic distance was on offer for the visiting athletes. The team representing Nevis this race weekend were Miranda Fellows and Kristina Stoney in the Olympic distance, Sarah Petre-Mears in Sprint and her two children Alex and Siobhan who were to compete in the kids division of racing, a first for St Kitts & Nevis. Also on hand were Triathlon Federation President Winston Crooke, wearing the hat of racer and team supporter alongside Stanley Williams. The race was based in the grounds of the ‘Lance Aux E’pines’ Cottages with great support from sponsors Digicel amongst others, the events started with the smaller athletes, really small athletes, some of them as young as 4 were doing mini triathlons, it was wonderful to watch and join in the cheers of encouragement. The Sprint and Olympic distances were started at the same time, so the older members of the team lined up with the 50 other athletes to swim one or two laps of the triangular swim course. Winston and Sarah finished their one lap in good order with Sarah just beating Winston out of the water, whilst Miranda and Kristina battled on for their second lap, no easy task as their competition included current OECS champion Clare Morrell on home turf, and two time Carino Health Spa triathlon winner Janine Herweijer, who was on a two week sailing vacation in the region. Out on the bike course Winston was having an awful time, but Sarah gamely took on the challenge of the undulating 3 lap course, doing well enough to place top in her age group, and collect her very first triathlon trophy, well done Sarah The men’s field was a running battle between Grenadian Marc DeCaul, and two Trinidadian athletes, 1st time Olympic distance competitor David Hay and Trinidad champion Ancil Greene. But it was David Hays day taking the top male spot in 2:24:12. The women’s event was shaping up to be even more exciting than the men’s, Clare coming out of the swim 1st followed 5 mins later by Janine, then Miranda and Kristina, Janine’s strength is her bike and she set out after Clare, determination in every pedal stroke. Something was becoming very clear early on, Miranda was also on a mission, and so it proved to be, she as good as matched the bike speed of Janine and easily outpaced and passed Clare. Kristina coming out from the swim last was also motivated to catch up on the bike, normally her strongest component, however she also struggled to match Miranda’s pace but did manage to pull 10 minutes back on Clare. So the order coming out for run was Janine, Clare, Miranda then Kristina, the race was definitely on, Miranda however remained on fire and had passed Clare by the second of the 4 laps leaving only Janine in her sights, Kristina by this time was showing some true guts and determination to claw herself back into contention, pulling back almost a full lap on Clare to put her in third place. The next events for the Nevis team are as follows:- Reggie Douglas heads to Venezuela on Friday to race for the first time as an elite athlete, Miranda, Kristina, James and Reggie will race in Tobago on 24th May, and for the first time two female athletes from the club, Sarah Petre-Mears and Paula price will race Hawaii ½ Ironman in June, so wish them all well as you see them during their training. From China to Venezuela with Katherine Bertine Hi Everyone,
Just a quick note to let you know I am in Venezuela and still racing my little heart out. Amanda Chavez the WonderMinion and I leave for Uruguay tomorrow, where I will race in the Pan Am champs. Hopefully those courses will be better than the pothole-laden roads I endured here!
On a lighter note, when Amanda and I arrived in Caracas, we were met by two UCI officials who took us to our first race, three hours away. I nearly had a heart attack when they stacked my bike box and another woman's bike box on top of the South American equivalent of a Geo Tracker and attempted to tie it all down with twine. Remarkably, it held. I will return to Tucson with gray hair, though.
So, If any of you ever travel to Venezuela, don't bring your bikes. The roads/traffic/stray dogs are crazy. I had two races, a 58K and a 38K...I almost won points, coming in 13th and 17th places less than 2 seconds behind the winner. I did win enough money for Amanda and I to take a taxi to the airport tomorrow, so that is handy. Anyway, in one race I dropped my chain on a pothole the size of a moon crater and had to TT my way back from a 32 second deficit. I made it, but it wore me out. I was most proud of my attempt to go for the sprint bonuses. Points went to the top three sprinters and I came in 4th, which was incredibly bittersweet. I have the endurance edge, but hot damn, the Brazilian women can sprint the pants off me. It is hard not having teammates.
The hardest part of the trip was that the two races were 4 hours away, so we were bused overnight between the two. Not good for tired legs. Imagine traveling 4 hours (for a 20 mile race) on an over night bus, with the driver blaring a Marc Anthony techno remix to keep himself awake. Let me tell you, you haven't lived until you've seen a South American highway rest stop at 3am. (Did I mention I'm the only white chick at these races? I think that's awesome). So, we get to the second race and find out that religion has a large hand in South American races. This legitimate UCI race, for which we crisscrossed the country of Venezuela, was officially called "For the Life of Jesus" and it was sponsored by a local church. Amanda said the race director read passages from the bible at the race meeting. It is so interesting to see how different countries hold races. :)
I could not have made this journey without Amanda. I thought I needed her to be here for her fluency in Spanish, but it turns out I need her as my friend and psychologist. She has become so popular among the racers and team managers that the fans at the race call out her name when I ride by! Swear. I bike past the spectator area and hear "Vamos Chavez! Chavez, Chavez, Chavez!!!" I love being popular by association, it is cool.
'Lance Aux Epines', Grenada, Saturday May 3rd Nevis Cycle & Triathlon Club members Miranda Fellows and Kristina Stoney, made a huge impression at todays 21st annual Grenada Triathlon. In a thrilling female Olympic distance triathlon event they took the top honours, Miranda 1st place and Kristina 2nd. This was also the first time that an olympic distance event had been held in the events 21 year history. Sarah Petre-Mears took 1st place in her sprint age group race, whilst both her children Alex and Siohban took part in the kids events.
1st ‘Round De Rock’ Road Bike Race April 27th The Nevis Cycle & Triathlon Club celebrated the first race around the island since the new road was opened, 12 riders turned out for this race which was set anti-clockwise, taking the riders from the start at Oualie Beach towards town and then up to Pond Hill. From the gun it was Winston Crooke that took the early lead, clearly concerned about the hill climb and hoping to get a jump start ahead of the lighter racers, alas it was not to be and Winston was caught by a pack of 6 riders, Reggie Douglas, James Weekes, Keith Jones, Kristina Stoney, Matt Lloyd and 13yr old Shaun Brear. Coming into Charlestown the group was together with Reggie setting the pace, but once the hill started after passing Horsfords things started to get interesting, with Matt being dropped first, followed by Winston and then as the group approached Brown Hill bus stop, Shaun could no longer hold on but was riding very well, leaving only Kristina to hang on to the big guns. Inevitably as the ‘boys’ upped the pace Kristina was dropped and Reggie decided to really put James and Keith to the test, he gave them a look and took off dropping them both , Reggie was gone. Winston meanwhile was slowly working his way up the hill passing Shaun and trying to catch Kristina, however Kristina had other plans and maintained her lead, Shaun was riding really well and keeping a good pace as he climbed up towards pond hill to the cheers of encouragement for his mom and sister. Reggie was again hampered by a flat tire whilst well in the lead and had to pullout leaving James and Keith to fight for the top spot, at this point they were flying along the new roads towards brick kiln and the eventual finish back at Oualie Beach. James eventually dropping Keith to take the finish in a time of 58:09 mins, with Keith 20 seconds behind, Kristina was showing her speed down the hills as well as up them, not allowing Winston to catch her to finish 3rd overall and 1st female, in a time of 1:03:30 , a very strong ride indeed. Most surprising ride of the day was that of Shaun Brear who finished in an amazing time of 1:08:13 to take top Junior spot and 5th overall, more than 20 minutes ahead of the other juniors in the race, clearly a talent to watch for the future. Shannon Competes in US Duathlon Nationals Hey Guys! 'RIDE OF SILENCE 2008' The St Kitts & Nevis Cycling & Triathlon Federations will be organising this annual event for the second time on May 21st 2008 at 6.00pm, we just got the news that two Jamaican cyclists were killed recently. The 'Ride of Silence' This week the Federations will be donating a third Trek police bike to the Police dept. as our way of contributing to community policing, and to further encourage the use of bikes as transport. Anguilla ‘Optimist’ Triathlon April 20th By Kristina Stoney Race day arrives and I do my best. Always, every inch of the race I am applying all the learning and training prior, supplying every ounce of energy and strength. There are good days and bad days in which I am able to withstand and achieve more or less. These past two weeks I have had two races, one I won and one I lost. Gorgeous day, clear teal waters, white coral sand, an idyllic beginning for Anguilla’s annual Optimist triathlon. We gathered from Anguilla, St. Martin, Tortola, and St. Kitts and Nevis, Reggie and me among the others ready to start and swim the short swim distance, eager to tackle the long and rolling bike course. After the swim, believing that everyone was ahead of me I ploughed forward in my best discipline of the three, the bike leg, I never did catch up my competitors because they were behind me the whole time … oops. The race was draft legal and after about half the race on my own I joined forces with an Anguillan rider from one of the many relay teams, the two of us working together to maintain a higher speed with less duress. Because of that I felt great during the run potion of the event, and was able to breeze in as top female. Reggie had passed everyone on the bike leg (of course) and near transition had a flat, the glass was so deep in his tire, it punctured a second tube and he had to wait for another wheel to be brought to him to finish the course, during these 10mins everyone had passed him back and had started their run. Undaunted Reggie changed his tire, cycled into transition, and out ran everyone but one on the run! Taking second place amid much cheering. Winston was with us too, and because of his provided support we did not need to worry about anything but racing well. Afterwards the three of us had chance to enjoy the beautiful Anguilla beaches and fabulous pizza where we stayed at the Arawak hotel, looking forward to next year! As the race has a grand sponsor in Cable and Wireless, and they support a lot of teams and young participants, next year we are sure to bring a larger entourage ….. Anguilla: we will be back! I am slowly changing my lifestyle, and by living differently I am becoming different.The race I won in Anguilla I did my best at, as all others, but I was rested, well fed, with out stress, and among good supportive friends. Anguilla Optimist Triathlon 2008 By Reggie Douglas It was a lovely day for a race, April 20th saw athletes of different caliber on Meads Beach Anguilla, the sun was out indicating it was going to be a hot day but not only the sun was going to be hot, even though the race was not organized the way a normal tri would be, athletes were ready to race the race that was put before them. There was no doubt the serous race was between Reggie aka Ras Genasis and Dick Luttekes out of St. Maarten. There were no rules to this game you could pull out all the stops, the swim kicks off and it was a fast swim, two team swimmers and two individuals came out the water together the two individuals were myself and Dick, wow! de race start to unfold, on to the bike Dick had a fast transition but Reggie was not far behind. Dick managed to latch onto one of the relay team bikers whose swimmer came out of the water behind us, like I say anything goes so drafting was legal so the gap just gets bigger and bigger. But I just relaxed into my pace; it was a long bike course nice! nice! fast roads but i was not seeing him, I had a support car a long with me, my friend was telling me “they are not far, they are not far keep riding” the more I heard that the faster I rode. Then coming into the final section of the race I see him, the pain lifted from my body and I went hard to close it down to 50m, Dick just keep looking back, he was in for a fight, then the drama start to unfold, I got a flat, I was riding on the flat keeping Dick in sight until I could get some assistance. Winston brought me a tube but a piece of glass was in the tire, and cut the spare also, that did not help at all. Lo an behold the universe start to work with me again, where I had stopped a cyclist did not live to far from my support car driver went to borrow a wheel for me, while I was there waiting three more serous triathletes passed by, they were like wow! too bad Reggie, finally I get the wheel, I was about to finish this race just to show the true sprit of a triathlete, win or lose. Then onto the run, didn’t even had to rack my bike Winston were there take my bike from me I slip into my shoes and was off on the run. my support car still there “what do you want water or coke?” I slip down a gel take some water, while i was doing that i saw one of the guys who passed me on the bike and I say to myself “good that mean the next two are not to far” ,it was like wow! I am still in this race for a podium, the run became an angry run. I pass him and start to run faster, i see the next one i pass him then i start to smile then i saw the next one, as i pass by he say “good race Reggie its good you never give up” i say “thanks bro” and i went on my way. Then i start to wonder if Dick is still out there i start to run faster and faster those hills were not slowing me down. I was on de hunt James was in my head “leg speed Reggie, leg speed”, up the climb getting closer to the finish line the, hunt was over I didn’t see him, I cross the line and there he was, we shake hands i tell him he is a lucky man he told me if i did not get the flat i would have beaten him we just laugh and talk. Will that was my race, came second, did not want that but it’s just how the race unfolded. A very sad loss - Jamaica 2008 It is with great sadness that we announce the loss of two young Jamaican cyclists, who were killed in road traffic accidents recently. The Nevis Cycle & Triathlon club extends its deepest sympathy to the family, friends and fellow cyclists of: Lawrence Watson Alden Clunis Who lost their lives on the 22nd of March and the 16th April of this year 2008, to honour and remember them and others we will be holding the RIDE OF SILENCE for the 2nd time on May 21st at 6.00pm in Charlestown. HURRAH!! REGGIE GOES ELITE Newly crowned National Triathlon Champion Reggie Douglas is achieving international recognition. The St Kitts & Nevis Triathlon Federation has been informed today that Reggie has been accepted to race in the Elite class in two upcoming ITU/PATCO events, The Isla Margharita, Venezuela Continental Cup on 11th May and the Ixtapa, Mexico Caribbean Championships Cup on May 17th. Reggie Douglas is said to be “overjoyed” at the news Federation President Winston Crooke stated “Reggie has finally got where he should have been last year, St Kitts and Nevis should be very proud of this home grown talent”
St Kitts & Nevis National Championships 2008 For the first time, the Male and female triathlon champions of the federation of St Kitts and Nevis, were crowned at an event conceived solely for this purpose, on Sunday afternoon the 13th April at the Oualie Beach Hotel the federations triathletes gathered to vie for the coveted titles. 23 athletes competed on this very windy afternoon, with MUA students and visiting tourists also joining the fun and games, with Olympic and Sprint distance races on offer for individual racers and relay teams. The Olympic champions are able to gain international recognition and valuable points on the PATCO and ITU ranking systems. The Nations triathlon hero and OECS champion Reggie Douglas maintained his form to hold off the challenge of former champion James Weekes, whilst Miranda Fellows showed her true potential as she held off her nemesis Kristina Stoney to claim the female champions crown for the 1st time. Visiting triathlete Neal Dunn from the USA took top honors on this day, narrowly beating Reggie to the finish line after a fierce battle out on the course, the far better swimmer Neal taking the early lead but Reggie showed his strength on the bike to close Neals 5 minute advantage and pass him to leave out first on the run. Reggie maintained his lead on the first of the two laps but Neal passed him on Hurricane Hill to win by less than a minute. The sprint distance was won by the ever present Keith Jones in the male division and MUA student Dre Edge won the womens category with some ease, considering it was her first triathlon. Dave Cook of the USA was third overall, and congrats to Joe and Margie Tonnies, who was second female overall, for taking time out of their vacation to join in. Other standout performances were shown by 13 yr old Shaun Brear, Jessups all star Godfrey Todd in his first sprint, and most notably Sarah Petre-Mears, who flatted out near camps and ran her bike all the way back so that she could complete the Olympic distance event, true grit and determination. Special thanks to Penny Avery, Lynn Fiske, Moreen Phillip and Wendy Brear for their invaluable assistance in putting on this event.
Reggie runs second to US Triathlete!!
Miranda Fellows maintains dominance... By Pauline Waruguru
Nevis Reporter-SKNVibes.com OUALIE BEACH, Nevis – IN an extremely ardent battle on the course of Sunday’s Senior Male and Female Triathlon, local and OECS champion Reggie Douglas was narrowly beaten into second place by visiting US-triathlete Neal Dunn, while Miranda Fellows maintained her dominance in the sport discipline. Twenty-three athletes, including students of the Medical University of the Americas and a number of tourists, braved the windy afternoon of Sunday, April 13 to test their physical prowess at the gruelling triathlon organised by the Nevis Cycle and Triathlon Federation.
The nation’s triathlon hero and OECS champion, Reggie Douglas, maintained his form to hold off the stiff challenge of former champion James Weekes, but was unable to do the same against US-triathlete Neal Dunn, who had beaten him into second place.
Dunn, the better swimmer of the two, took an early lead but Douglas showed his strength on the bike course to close the five-minute advantage Dunn had over him and was the first athlete to start the run. Douglas maintained his lead for the first two laps but Dunn overtook him on Hurricane Hill to cross the finish line at Oualie Beach Hotel to win the event by less than a minute.
Dave Cook of the USA was third while on the distaff side, Dunn’s partner, Rene Russo, was busy providing a challenge to Nevis’ top female triathletes Miranda Fellows and Kristina Stoney. But it was Fellows’ day, as she demonstrated the ability that made her number one and finished the race very strong and unchallenged. Margie Tonnies, one of the athletes vacationing on Nevis, placed second in this category.
Notable performances came from 13-year-old Shaun Brear, Jessups’ all-star Godfrey Todd in his first sprint, and a determined Sarah Petre-Mears, whose tyre went flat near Camps and she ran with her bike all the way back to complete the Olympic-distance event.
By completing an event of this nature, Olympic hopefuls are able to gain international recognition and valuable points on the PATCO and ITU ranking systems.
NEVIS JUNIOR TRIATHLON April 12th 2008 Saturday April 12th, hosted another Nevis Junior Triathlon. The event was to be a landmark for the Junior club as for the first time we would be adhering to distances set out by both the ITU (International Trithalon Union ) and the CTU ( Caribbean Triathlon Union).
The course was set to accomodate 3 age groups,
7- 8 Year olds would swim 50m out into the bay at Oualie Beach, into transistion from which they headed out over hurricane hill, for those of you who bike, you will know hurricane hill is tough even for the adults, these children attacked the hill with vigour, turning on the long road to complete their 1.5km bike ride. After racking bike in transition headed out on a 250m run for a beach finish. Isabella took the 1st place for this event in her very first triathlon.
9-10 Year old was our largest group, They completed a 100m swim which was a tight race with all athletes in a solid pack. After transistion they headed out on the bike leg which would take them on a 3km loop turning outside Shirleys. Devon Jeffers domineered the run but it was Andrea Brear who really shone throughout the bike. Siobhan Petre-Mears gave Andrea chase throughout the run landing her in second place.
11-12 year old event really sorted the boys from the girls! Starting with a 300m swim, The swim was taken by the ladies, Myra Jeffers, Jessica Amory and Anouska Anslyn, bounced out of the water streets ahead of the boys, Heading out onto the bike Alex Petre-Mears gave a strong chase, but Jessica Amory who had forged ahead of Myra on the bike maintained her lead. The run was a spectacular event as Alex Petre-Mears really showed his strongest dicipline, taking the lead from Jessica to cross the line. Gender does not matter to these old rivals who always fight for the finish.
A big thank you to all who made this event possible and also a big thank you to our junior triathletes who gave a splendid performance.
Nevis Junior Triathlon a major success!!
By Pauline Waruguru
Nevis Reporter-SKNVibes.com CHARLESTOWN, Nevis – THE Nevis Junior Triathlon Club held its first ever Championships on Saturday last and it was declared a success by the Club’s Coordinator Sarah Petre-Mears.
The Championships was held at the Oualie Beach Resort and the children who participated all finished the race in the three age groups under which they competed.
The groups were classified A, B and C. Group A comprised children aged seven to eight years old while Group B was for those nine to 10 and Group C 11 to 12 years old.
Isabella Hoag was declared winner in Group A while Andrea Brear and Devon first crossed the finish line girls and boys, respectively, in Group B. Alex Petre-Mears came in first for boys in Group C and, on the distaff side, Jessica Amory was declared winner.
The race was designed for participants in Group A to cycle 1.5 kilometres, run 250 kilometres and swim a 50-metre loop. They had to cycle over Hurricane Hill towards Newcastle, turn back over Hurricane Hill and go to Oualie Beach Resort and run a straight course to finish on the beach.
Those in Group B had to swim from the first to second buoys [a 100m distance], bike for three kilometres to the second cone just before the entrance to Shirley’s, and run a full loop and the straight course finish on the beach covering a distance of 500m.
The older participants competed in a 200m swim, cycled over a five-kilometre stretch and ran a distance of one kilometre. They swam a two-lap course, cycled to the third cone at the far side of the airport and ran three laps before the straight course finish on the beach.
Jessica said the race was quite challenging and thinks the bike route should have been longer. She also said the swim was difficult. Andrea also though the swim was difficult and declared, “We should not be biking up Hurricane Hill...it kills us!”
Chantal Rigby, who placed third in Group B, braved all the odds and noted, “I started coughing while on my bike and could not breathe properly. A dead cat on the road scared me and some of the competitors did not go all the way as instructed.”
Finishing just before Rigby crossed the line, Siobhan Petre-Mears described the race as “tiring, hard and enjoyable.” She fell sick while on the bike, “but I kept on going until I finished.” She is looking forward to compete in the Grenada Children’s Triathlon on May 3 and pointed out that in the meantime she would be in training.
Alex Petre-Mears said the race was good except for the hill. He wants more children to participate in the next championships.
The Club’s Coordinator said 20 children have enlisted for training and activities would resume in June when new members could enlist. “This was the first race we have taken on the road, so for the children it was a real challenge. We are trying to ensure we stick to age-appropriate distances as layed out by the International Triathlon Union and the Caribbean Triathlon Union. This will give the children every advantage when they compete against overseas athletes. We currently have two children ready to compete in Grenada next month...this we hope will be the start of many,” Sarah Petre-Mears said.
Nevis Triathlon icon Reginald ‘Reggie’ Douglas was impressed by the children’s performance, saying, “The training has paid off.” Another outstanding triathlete in Nevis, James Weekes, said the children are beginning to love what they are doing.
According to Winston Crooke, President, Nevis Cycle and Triathlon Club, it is the first time that distances set for the children are conforming to Caribbean Triathlon Union and “this means kids are covering the same distances as other kids in the Caribbean”.
He said the distances are in keeping with international standards.
Katherine represents in Lima Peru April 6th Lima Peru, ITU Continental Cup Triathlon, Katherine Bertine made her second showing representing the Triathlon Federation of St Kitts & Nevis, her debut was at the Nevis triathlon in March. In Lima Katherines true strength showed as she beat all of the other women in the bike leg by more than 5 minutes, fabulous performance, she completed the race in a time of 2:14:24 to take 8th overall. Well done katherine! Kathryn Bertine is thrilled to race for and represent the wonderful nation of St. Kitts and Nevis!
Originally from New York, Kathryn, 32, grew up as a figure skater and skated professionally before discovering the sport of triathlon in 1998. After racing for 6 years as an amateur, she turned professional in 2005. Soon after, she discovered that the cycling leg was her strength and switched to pursue a competitive career in the road race and time trial events. In 2006, she was approached by ESPN to write about her efforts to get to the 2008 Olympic Games. She is currently on ESPN.com and her book, currently titled "So You Wanna Be an Olympian?" will come out in 2009. St. Kitts and Nevis will get a major spotlight, as without their help, Kathryn's Olympic dreams would not have thrived.
Learn more here: ESPN.com - E-Ticket: Part 8 , ESPN.com - E-ticket: So You Wanna Be An Olympian, Part 9
Kathryn now lives in Tucson, Arizona but will be heading to SKN this summer!
Personal Statistics:
Name: Kathryn Bertine
Birthday: May 11, 1975
Height: 5'9
Weight: 135 lb
Sports: Figure Skating, Triathlon, Cycling
Publications: All the Sundays Yet to Come (Little Brown, 2003, memoir of skating experience)
Hobbies: Reading (and writing!), watching movies, traveling
Status: Single
Family: Dad (Peter), Mom (Diane), Brother (Pete) all live in NY.
School: Colgate University, BA 1997 Hamilton, NY University of Arizona, MFA 2000 Tucson, AZ
Email: ESPNOlympian@aol.com
Upcoming Olympic Qualification Schedule:
April 25-29 UCI Tour of Chongming Island, China
May 3 and 4 UCI Venezuela Ciclismo, Caracas, Venezuela
May 11 ITU Margarita Island Triathlon
May 16 thru 25 UCI Multiple National races in San Salvador, El Salvador
May 31 Coupe de Monde Montreal, Canada
Miranda wins in Barbados Tri Miranda Fellows acoompanied OECS champion Reggie Douglas to the recently held Barbados BFIT triathlon on March 30th. Miranda, obviously feeling inspired, was the top placed female in this event with a time of 2:33:45. Reggie did not fare so well in the draft legal race, the faster swimmers joined forces to keep him at bay, with Reggie not being allowed to link on to the back of this fast moving pack of 5 riders. Rising Caribbean triathlon star Jason Wilson took the male top honours in 1:59:40 on his home turf, followed by Dominic Paul (England) and Feltesse Benoit (Guadeloupe) in third. Reggie finished back in 7th place but improved his Olympic distance time by posting 2:15:25. Another great showing by the Nevis Cycle & Triathlon Club, who are fast becoming one of the top teams in the Caribbean triathlon scene. Their next event will be he National Championships on the 13th April. Reggie keeps the Trophy at home
By Pauline Waruguru
Nevis Reporter-SKNVibes.com CHARLESTOWN, Nevis – REGINALD ‘Reggie’ Douglas was yesterday adjudged the overall winner - Olympic Male Overall - at the Carino Health Spa Triathlon which attracted 128 local, regional and international athletes.
Reggie also successfully defended his OECS Championship title and expressed joy at winning on his home turf. “I am pretty excited. It is so nice to win in my home ground,” Reggie said after romping home to the cheers of a huge crowd of local fans and overseas visitors to Nevis.
Patrice Palmont from Guadeloupe took second spot in the Olympic Male Overall while Jean March Outil from St. Barths captured the third place prize.
Commenting on Reggie’s performance, Palmont said in an interview, “Reggie ran parallel with me towards the end but made a sprint in the last 200 metres. He was extremely fast. He had an advantage of being in his own country. He has an added mental advantage on the sprint.”
Other outstanding performances came from Elite Male Francisco Serrano of Mexico (01:50:41), Elite Female Rebecca Wassna of the USA (1:59:32), Olympic Female Overall Janine Herweijer from Holland (02:47:17), Sprint Male Overall Mathew Wright out of Barbados (01:08:57), and Trinidad’s Sprint Female Overall Jacqueline (01:29:53).
Athletes came from as far as Japan, and Mariko and Chie, elite athletes from that country enlisted in January 2008 after reading about the sporting event online. They said this would build their ranking in world events.
Debby and Mike sailed from Alaska on their boat Deva since November to be on time for the race. “We were overwhelmed by how the local people cheered us all along the course. This encouragement enabled me to ride 20 kilometres on a flat tyre. About 20 people stopped to ask me if I needed help. We like the people. Nevis is clean and the people are super-friendly.
“We knew we would finish. We have been on our boat for four months. We did not train in those four months, but at home we trained daily,” Debby said.
Vaden Jones, General Manager, Oualie Beach Resort, said, “This will enable all the athletes who participated to come back to Nevis for vacation.”
Female winner in the Elite race, Rebecca Wassner from USA, said she would return to Nevis. She said she had used the race to gauge herself: “It was well organised and we will recommend it to everybody. Nevis will be counted for world ranking. It was very well organised.”
This year was very special. It was the first time the Elite athletes were participating in the Nevis Triathlon which has already been sanctioned by the World Governing body (ITU) as a Continental Cup event. The Elite athletes are gearing up for the Beijing Olympics.
Local and international athletes described the event as very well organised. The event’s President, Winston Crook, attributed the success to hard work and experience and the 80 volunteers who worked extremely hard. “The volunteer team was amazing.” Over 24 countries sent participants.
Edris Fellows, a local female participant, said the event was “very balanced.” Jones from Camps, Nevis said it was much bigger and had more participants, especially pro-elite athletes from all over the world. “It will promote Nevis a lot. Nevis will be known. This year it is unique because it is an ITU event.”
The oldest participant, Dr. Gordon Avery (74) said, “It was the biggest. It is the first time we have the Elite Group.” James Weekes felt “cool”. He said it was not as tough as he had expected
Nevis top fe,ale finisher Kristina Stoney was very pleased with her performance and narowly missed out on beating OECS champion Clare Morrall for the female title, her finish time of 2:52:31 was a vast improvement on last year and she is looking forward to the National Championships to stamp her authority on the female division.
Nevis To St Kitts Cross-Channel Swim 23rd March 2008 The Bente Weber memorial cross-channel swim celebrated its sixth year on sunday, a record 68 swimmers including an 8 man team from Antigua took to the water at Oualie beach bay. With two support boats and a flotilla of 32 sea kayakers, this annual event was a site to behold as they departed for the 2.5 mile (4 km) swim to St kitts. The large field of swimmers and kayakers was made up of students from the Ross university of St kitts, with others from the nursing school plus a number of visitors who had come just for the challenge of the swim. The women really dominated this years event, with only three men in the top ten, the race portion was won overall by Kimberely Routh in a time of 1:12:00, 2nd was Lorna Axiah1:13:00, and 3rd Dre edge1:14:10, Keren Sandoval-Valentine of Team Antigua was the first male finisher, coming in 4th overall with a time of 1:14:30, 2nd male was Richard Brown 1:17:16 and 3rd Franklin Noguera in 1:17:44. This event was a huge success with all but a few completing the swim in very impressive times,but the record of 1:06: 47 set by Quincy De Feber of SXM remained untouched. We wish to thank Carib Breweries and Reggae beach bar for their sponsorship of this years swim. Donations will be made to The Pink Lily breast cancer foundation and PAWS animal welfare group. Carino Health Spa Triathlon Nevis 2008 - ITU Continental Cup Sunday the 16th of March 2008 was a great day for Nevis and a huge leap for its burgeoning sports tourism industry, with a combination of Elite and age group triathletes using the beautiful island of Nevis as a blank canvas upon which to paint a glorious picture of athletic poetry in motion. 128 athletes from 24 countries joined forces to demonstrate the sport of triathlon at its very best, highly competitive racing in a refreshingly friendly Caribbean atmosphere, USA, Canada, Puerto Rico, Trinidad, Barbados, Costa Rica, St Kitts & Nevis, Guadeloupe, St Martin, England, Ireland, Holland, Japan, Martinique, Antigua, Dominican Republic, St Barths, Grenada, Mexico, El Salvador. Though the elite athletes provided a wonderful spectacle, it was home grown talent Reggie Douglas that stole the show, with his OECS championship at risk he took on all comers to retain his title for a 3rd year and win the event overall. Posting his best Olympic distance time in 2:20:21 the race came down to a final sprint out with visiting Guadeloupian athlete Patrice Palmont, Reggie, clearly driven on by the roar of his hometown supporters pumped his fists and raised his hands in the air before collapsing to his knees over the finish line. Post race comments from some of the athletes who competed in the ITU Continental Cup. | ||
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Wanted to let you know we made it back in one piece. And I wanted to tell you I had a wonderful time visiting your country and a wonderful stay with your friends Gillian and John, they were great!
You really did an amazing job at hosting the triathlon it was a lot of fun and I hope you have it next year as well.
Thanks again for everything,
Jillian Petersen I just wanted to thank you for all your hard work over the weekend. Thanks for making sure everyone & thier bikes were in the right place at the time. Also, thanks for putting on a flawless event!
Thanks,
Rebeccah Wassner
Hey all
I just want to thank you for having me at Nevis' first ITU Pan American Cup. I really enjoyed my week in Nevis with my new found friends. I never thought such a small island can off so much to the sport of triathlon.
I look forward to seeing you all next time!
Sincerely
Matt Chrabot
Winston, Thanks again, I have been racing literally for 25 years and I can't think of a better more organized and well run race than what you guys did. While I can't say I was exactly fit enough to totally enjoy it, It was nevertheless a great great race. Congratulations! Again, thanks so much for a great and memorable race.
Ride fast.
Alex Kahan
The good news is, I'm back racing, having done one triathlon and a half-marathon (and won them both!) since Nevis. I also wanted to thank you again for putting on such a wonderful race. That was one of the most well-organized and enjoyable Continental Cups that I've ever attended, and I know that I have you to thank for that. I've been chatting about the race a ton with other pros and age-groupers alike, so hopefully we can make it even bigger next year!
Regards,
Justin Park
Police Patrol enhanced; Sport clubs donate bicycles CHARLESTOWN NEVIS (March10, 2008) -- The Triathlon Federation and the Cycling Federation for St Kitts and Nevis in a brief ceremony on Friday March 07, 2008 handed over two Trek Bicycles to Permanent Secretary in the Premier’s Ministry Mr. Joseph Wiltshire. He accepted the bicycles on behalf of Premier of Nevis Hon. Joseph Parry for the Nevis Police Division. Mr. Gregg Phillip a member of the organisation indicated that members of the joint Cycling and Triathlon Federation were inspired to donate the bicycles to show their expression of love for Nevis. He said “the organisation struggled with its financial resources and sacrificed the purchase of the Bicycles that are necessary for doing adequate policing in the community.” The total cost for the two Trek Bicycles designed specifically for policing were in the amount of US $1200.00. Mr. Winston Crooke President for the Nevis Cycling and Triathlon Club said “it was a mission of the joint Cycling and Triathlon clubs to contribute to the community and to pay back the police for their six years of invaluable service to the Clubs. He handed over the bicycles to Permanent Secretary in the Premier’s Ministry Mr. Joseph Wiltshire, on behalf of the St Kitts and Nevis joint Cycling and Triathlon Federation. Mr. Wiltshire accepted the two bicycles on behalf of the Nevis Island Administration (NIA) and commended the Clubs for the funds raised to purchase the bicycles. He assured the President that the bicycles would help to improve the performance and duties of Police officers on Nevis and asked other stake holders to come on board to ensure that police officers were equipped with the tools necessary to make Nevis a safer destination for visitors and residents.
Superintendent Seabrookes Head of the Nevis Division accepted the Trek Bicycles on behalf of the Nevis Royal St Christopher and Nevis Police Force. “I want to thank the Nevis Island Administration and the Nevis Triathlon and Cycling Clubs for the donation of the two bicycles,” said Superintendent Seabrookes. He assured the community that the bicycles would be properly maintained and would be used to the best of their ability. He remarked that the bicycles would strengthen the patrol fleet and expected results from their use since they could be maneuvered where other vehicles would not go, specifically the area of Charlestown. The bicycles were donated ahead of the sixth annual Carino Nevis Health Spa Triathlon slated for March16, 2008 to be held on Nevis. The Triathlon would be the biggest so far and is expected to be viable to the Nevis economy. Participants for the Triathlon are expected from Japan, Holland, Spain, Mexico and locally The Nevis Cycling Club has been around for 11 years and the joint Federation has been based in Nevis for the past two years.
The Mardi Gras Half Marathon—New Orleans, LA Yesterday Jaime and I participated in the 44th annual Mardi Gras Half Marathon in New Orleans, LA. The race started bright and early at 7 am. As Jaime and I have been very busy for the last couple of months with holidays, moving and starting clinicals—not to mention the freezing cold weather and snow—we have not had much time or desire for training. I have done about 5 short runs since our last half marathon in October and Jaime has had fewer than that so we were ready for punishment. Our race began beneath a foggy ceiling. The air was cool and the crowd was pumped. After the anthem was played over a loud speaker the race director gave us the “Runners set…” and then the horn. We raced around a few roads before ending up on Bourbon St. Anyone familiar with New Orleans knows that Bourbon St is known for wall to wall bars and people staying up all night and walking around with beer in cups which spill all over the road along with other fluids that are washed off the street each night. We were lucky that the street had been cleaned although I think the runner high I thought I had was actually a high from inhaled alcohol fumes wafting up off the pavement. We passed a couple of bars that had not closed and people were lined up outside with drinks in hand cheering us on. No joke. Next, we ran up St. Charles to Audubon Park. The halfway mark was inside the park where runners were surprised with a beer and martini stop at the halfway mark. Only in New Orleans would you find such a thing. The town is known for its partying and drinking is a way of life here. At this point I was feeling good in my run and did not indulge in any spirits. But I did think about it! Haha. About 9 miles into my run my calf muscles started to ache. I was on target for my best time in a half but the last few miles were difficult and I ended up finishing at my worst ever half marathon time on the easiest course ever. The ONLY incline I can remember is a step up to get into Audubon Park. New Orleans is pretty much all BELOW sea level and sinking deeper and deeper with every storm. Needless to say I was really happy to finish, collected my finishers medal and found Jaime who I had seen cheering me on near the end of my run. I’m sure he could see I was willing my way with every step. It was a completely mental effort at that point. We didn’t have time to stick around after the race because we had to go over the 26 mile bridge over Lake Pontchartrain to my sister’s house to pick up Julian. Jaime’s race was better than mine. Although he was pushing himself near the end he finished at a time better than his first half marathon. His finishing time was 1:43:48 and mine was 2:00:26. Next year we will train and do the full marathon. Kristina’s: Week 2 We met again, Don and me on that course, along with all the other participants hungry for a rematch, redemption from the weekend past, an attempt to better performance. 10 loops this time, 1.6miles a loop, at the start line: we waited (TNCTC members, youths, youth club leaders, medical students, and visiting competitors) in columns of colors as Collette set the clock: ready she inquired, we were, and go she said amidst the sounds of shoes clicking petals, wheels licking pavement, wind lashing through. Reggie, Matt, Winston, and Alex thundered ahead, I determined not to let Don take advantage kept him behind, but let Stephanie slip past me. Up the gravel slope we flew towards Mount Nevis, and left onto the track, Reggie, Matt, and Alex out of sight, but Stephanie just ahead. The first log on the course I maneuver around, the second I watch in horror as Stephanie gracefully rides right over! Oh my, last weekend I was able to ride to the side of these logs (this one being ginormous) but this weekend Reggie has complicated the race with more technical aspects: lines of large rocks stretch on either side of this log … in continued horror and spitting aggravation I ride a large loop around the line of rocks, and continue with Stephanie now, too, out of sight. Down the path, recklessly tumbling, to gather advantage, sunglasses fogged up, seat falling low from the continual thudding of the bike as it pounds down the stony track. Past the gathering spectators and around again, following the winding path back up the gravel, nine more laps yet. I keep Don behind me the first three laps, the fourth going up he pass me. The fifth going up, I feel good, and pass him back. Determined this time to keep him behind I quicken my tempo. Here, Matt from Kansas, laps me once (he will lap me twice coming around the ninth lap.) Going down now, I look behind and there no sight of Don, the rest of the race I am on my own, Reggie passes me once mid course after Matt, and again on his last lap. I pass a couple youths and Frank and Doc, and other then that it’s just me and the course and those wretched logs in my way. Last lap around Alex pass me, riding up hill smooth and fast. I went around for my tenth lap as Winston and Stephanie soon finished. 10 laps later this weekend’s event has left different competitors victorious. Yes, I fulfilled my promise with Don, but Stephanie came first with a sizable advantage. Matt came ahead of Reggie, and different folks were in and out of the mix. In all it was a fun experience, but I have to admit that while mountain biking has its moments; I prefer road biking and time trialing. Never know until it’s tried though. Maybe, someday if I am able to master those logs Id feel differently. For next weekend though, expect to see me in the mix on my road bike at Reggie’s big all-day event in New Castle. Hope to see you there too, as there are road races, BMX competitions, and running, also with food, music, and entertainment: there is something for everyone. Atlantic View Mountain Bike Race, February 3rd By Reggie Douglas It was a beautiful day for a mountain bike race; the course had a total of 20 bikers, the race started below the Vance W Amory International Airport at the start of the 10k mark. Both elite male, female and youth did 7 laps of the 1.66 mile loop. The race started real fast, and who was to be there was there, who wasn’t supposed to be there was spit out the back. As the top guys turned at the Mount Nevis sign, Reggie, who was there just to see where his fitness level was, was out front pushing the pace and paying James back for his loss at the recent St Kitts Criterium. Really putting down the hammer as he dropped a hard charging Matt Brown (USA) on the second lap and went on to win the race. Reggie completed the course in- 44:42 Well on to the females, and i know they had fun, Kristina was out front and look like she was not going to give up the lead as she were pushing hard for first place, Matts wife Stephanie Brown was chasing hard, with first time mountain bike racer Sarah Petre-Mears having a go, but Kristina was more comfortable on the course and came in first with time to spare. Kristina completed the course in- 55:54 Sarah managed to complete 2 laps and i would like to say congrats. It was her first time doing an off road race with only a year and a few months on the bike, well done Sarah. On to the youths, the Newcastle Development Squad, the new racing team on the block, which already had been competing in a few races before and indeed they love the off road. One member from the Cotton Ground crew took part in the event and did really well; i hope more will take part in the next race. Newcastle Development Squad:- The club out of Cotton Ground:- Kristina’s Diary : January 27th Sunday afternoon and the Nevis Cycle Club was on the move, they had been invited to attend the inaugural road racing event for the newly formed ‘Freewheelers Cycle & Triathlon Club’ club president Larry Vaughan stated “We wanted to kick start our new club into existence with a fast, fun event that could be run as close to the town centre as possible” 3 youths, 2 female and 6 male riders joined the 3 male and 1 female riders representing the St Kitts club on the starting line. The course started on the bay front road outside the Sands Complex, it was 5 laps for the men, 4 for women and 3 for youths. From the off it was a furious pace with riders jostling for position, Winston Crooke (NEV) exchanging the lead with Jessie Mulcaire (SK) as the group charged up towards Birdrock, turning left down to the federal bank building,. Things gradually heating up as the lead group came around by the fire station for the completion of the first lap, even Freewheelers club president Larry Vaughan taking a turn at the front, however the tone changed on the 2nd lap as James and Reggie eased to the front and setting a tempo that soon had the weaker riders gasping. Chops to Kristina Stoney who hung on with the lead group right till the end of her last lap, comfortably taking 1st place in the female class, veteran rider Wendy Yaphe (SK) took second place ahead of Valerie Smithen (NEV). In the youth class, Shawn Brear was taking no prisoners, holding on to the lead group for the whole first lap despite the pace, and he is only 13 yrs old, Shawn easily outclassed his older rivals to take 1st place, followed by Dion Clarke and Asim Chapman. The last lap for the elite riders was out and out war, Reggie and James forcing a hard pace with Royston Stevens (SK) contributing, the other riders Winston, Alex and Keith of Team Nevis and Jessie Mulcaire of St Kitts completing the group, it was going to come down to a sprint. Congratulations to the Freewheelers Club of St Kitts for putting on a great race, thanks to the St kitts police officers who provided superb support and traffic control, we look forward to their next event, Nevis will most definitely be there. 'OUALIE CLASSIC’ ROAD RACE 2008 JAIME PASSES HIS BOARDS NEWS UPDATES Jan 2008 The following item is to be found on the website for Triathlete Magazine on the weblink:- Sarah & Stanley Run Disney Marathon |