Sellier defends Rincon Race title
Monday, April 11 2016Peter Sellier (Mike’s Bikes) had a convincing win of the 8 Lap Open 1 Division of the Rincon Mountain Bike Race on Sunday, defending his win of the same event in 2015. He finished in a time of 1 hour 21 minutes 46 seconds, nearly 2 minutes ahead of Ryan Chin in second and Christopher Govia in third (both of Breakaway) who crossed the line within seconds of each other. Kevin Tinto (Central Spokes) came fourth.
The Rincon Mountain Bike Race was the first Trinidad & Tobago Cycling Federation (TTCF) MTB Series Race for 2016. Points will be awarded to TTCF licensed cyclists and the League Points determine National Team Selection for International competition.
Three ladies entered the 3 Lap Open 2 Race, with Manuela Rueede (Tobago MTB Tours) in first followed by Kayomi Rankine (Rainbow Warriors) in second.
The Open 2 Division had the largest number of participants with 38 starting. Enrique De Comarmond (Heatwave) won the Open 2 Division Overall and also captured the top Juvenile prize. Stefan Sellier came second while Adande Piggott (MTB Kings) was third. Michael Phillips (Mike’s Bikes) won the Masters 40-49 category and Derrick Silva (Northern Rangers) won the Masters 50 plus. But perhaps the most noteworthy, was Matthew Wortman (Giants), just 11 years old, capturing the Tinymite 13-14 top prize. Wortman and Scott-Michael Shaw (Northern Rangers), just 10 years, both decided to compete in the Open 2 event after competing and winning in their respective age divisions in the Youth Development Kids race that preceded the main event.
“Such determination to compete in and complete such a challenging and unfamiliar course at such a young age is the mark of future Mountain Bike Champions” said Penny Sellier, Secretary of Northern Rangers Mountain Bike Club.
The Rincon Mountain Bike Race is a test of fitness and skill. Each 3 kilometer lap has several steep hill climbs, and while there is not as much single-track as Chaguaramas trails, endurance on the climbs and the technical ability to descend at high speed on loose gravel are key to success. Several river crossings added to the excitement and provided a welcome cool down for the riders.
The next TTCF Mountain Bike Series is scheduled for 14th May, and further information about this event will be made available soon.
All images courtesy: RL Photography
