The 2024 May Classics kicked off with a bang, setting the stage for a month of intense and thrilling cycling competitions. The series began with the West Bay Circuit, where riders pushed their limits across eight challenging laps. Cat 1 rider Peter De Wit emerged victorious after a long solo breakaway, setting the tone for an exciting series. Other notable winners included Herman Myrie in Cat 2, Benji Cupid in Cat 3, Andrew Ebanks in Cat 4, Rachel Gooden in the Women’s category, Darrel Evans Jr. in Masters, Patrick Smith in Super Masters, and Leo Gould in Juveniles.
West Bay Circuit Winners:
- Cat 1: Peter De Wit
- Cat 2: Herman Myrie
- Cat 3: Benji Cupid
- Cat 4: Andrew Ebanks
- Women: Rachel Gooden
- Masters: Darrel Evans Jr.
- Super Masters: Patrick Smith
- Juveniles: Leo Gould
The event was not without its moments of tension, particularly during a crash on the fifth lap, highlighting the inherent risks of competitive cycling. The cycling community, however, showcased its resilience and solidarity, providing swift assistance and support to those involved.
The excitement continued with the Individual Time Trial on the South Sound Circuit. Riders took on the challenge one-by-one, with Peter De Wit once again stealing the show, clocking the fastest time of 20:50. Allison Murphy emerged as the fastest woman, with other category winners including Lewis Bromby (Juniors), Mario Sanchez (Cat 2), David Cottle (Cat 3), Paul Jooste (Cat 4), Jeremy Solomon (Masters), and Chris Smith (Super Masters).
Individual Time Trial Winners:
- Fastest Overall: Peter De Wit
- Fastest Woman: Allison Murphy
- Juniors: Lewis Bromby
- Cat 2: Mario Sanchez
- Cat 3: David Cottle
- Cat 4: Paul Jooste
- Masters: Jeremy Solomon
- Super Masters: Chris Smith
Next up was the East End Road Race, a grueling event on the challenging East End Circuit. Riders competed fiercely over two laps (37.4 miles), leading to an exciting sprint finish. Jeremy Solomon clinched the overall victory in the Masters category, finishing in 1:31:20. Other winners included Peter De Wit (Cat 1), Phillip Campbell (Cat 3), Mario Sanchez (Cat 2), Macdonald Machingura (Cat 4), Louis Bromby (Juniors), and Chris Smith (Super Masters). The women’s category welcomed newcomers Sarah Gluschke and Carol Stewart, with Allison Murphy and Kerry Glanfield completing the lineup.
East End Road Race Winners:
- Cat 1: Peter De Wit
- Cat 2: Mario Sanchez
- Cat 3: Phillip Campbell
- Cat 4: Macdonald Machingura
- Juniors: Louis Bromby
- Masters: Jeremy Solomon
- Super Masters: Chris Smith
- Women: Allison Murphy
The grand finale of the series, the Bypass Circuit, did not disappoint. With a 45-minute race format plus three laps, competitors displayed their best tactics and sprinting prowess. Peter De Wit cemented his dominance by securing the overall win and the Cat 1 title, donning the Green Jersey. In other categories, Daron McLean took Cat 2, Phillip Campbell won Cat 3, and McDonald Machingura triumphed in Cat 4. Jeremy Solomon and Chris Smith continued their winning streaks in the Masters and Super Masters categories, respectively. Allison Murphy and Lewis Bromby also secured their victories in the Women’s and Juniors categories.
Bypass Circuit Winners:
- Cat 1: Peter De Wit
- Cat 2: Daron McLean
- Cat 3: Phillip Campbell
- Cat 4: McDonald Machingura
- Masters: Jeremy Solomon
- Super Masters: Chris Smith
- Women: Allison Murphy
- Juniors: Lewis Bromby
The event also featured a spirited Kid’s Division, highlighting the future of cycling as young riders raced down the same finishing straight as the elites.
Throughout the series, the unwavering support of sponsors The Catalyst Group, AA Rubis, and Paddle Wheel played a crucial role in the success of the events. Their contributions ensured that the 2024 May Classics were not only possible but also a massive success.
As we celebrate the thrilling victories and memorable moments of the 2024 May Classics, we eagerly anticipate the future of cycling and the next wave of talented riders ready to take on the challenge.
