L to R - Darel Christopher Jnr (BVI), James Weekes (Nevis), Reggie Douglas (Nevis), Sally Blackmore (BVI)

Photo Credit: Provided

L to R - Darel Christopher Jnr (BVI), James Weekes (Nevis), Reggie Douglas (Nevis), Sally Blackmore (BVI)

Photo Credit: Provided

The BVI's Darel Christopher Jr. watched the Nevis duo of Reggie Douglas and James Weekes in the lead pack for most of the St. John Festival Bike Race, setting up an epic finish on Saturday, June 16.

Christopher and Weekes reeled in Douglas and they all crossed the line with only tenths of a second between them. Christopher took the win in 1 hour and 2 minutes with Douglas second and Weekes third. The rest of the cyclists were spread out over the course.

Sally Blackmore was the first female and 6th overall in 1:19, with newcomer Margaret Majette taking second and Jude Woodcock third.

Fifteen cyclists participated in the race with riders coming from Nevis, Tortola, St. Thomas and St. John.

The conditions were perfect for classic course, which hasn't been used for the past two years due to bad weather and poor road conditions.

The route started at Cruz Bay and followed Centreline Road to Coral Bay where the turn-around took the riders back up the hill and then along the North Shore via a steep descent down Kings Hill. After cycling past Maho, Cinnamon and Truck Bay, the course ended at Hawksnest Bay Beach for the finish and a total of just over 14 miles and about 2,700 feet of climbing.

All finishers received a participation medal.

Podium places in both male and female were awarded trophies and prize money sponsored by the St. John Festival Committee.

The BVI contingent thanked Adam and Jane Thill along with the Festival Committee for organizing the race.