11 cyclists at the start of the wet Tour de Tortola.

Withstanding wet and dangerous terrains, Chris Ghiorse persisted along to come out the 2007 Tour De Tortola Champion. Ghiorse who clocked a time of 2 hours 29 minutes and 32 seconds in the 44 mile long race, was the first male to reach Sky World, where he was crowned KING OF THE MOUNTAIN (KOM).

This was the second time Ghiorse has won the race since his victory in the inaugural Tour de Tortola 12 years ago. He took part on two other occasions but admitted that he was out of shape. “It’s a dangerous course and the rain made it worst,” he admitted. Second place Phillipe Leroy came in minutes behind Ghiorse in 2 hours 35 minutes and 18 seconds. Leroy, who takes part every year and has won it three years ago, said Ghiorse was way too strong for him. However, he said he did enjoy the rigourous course especially going down hills. Andrew ‘Tubes’ Thompson came in third in 2 hours 41 minutes and 38 seconds.

Queen Lisa powering up Windy Hill to become the first finisher on the road.

Thompson said his most challenging point in the race was going through the Long Bay/Steel Point area. He also noted the challenging Windy Hill climb which he said was very difficult.

Queen of the Mountain was Lisa Adamson who surprised her male counterparts by reaching Sky World first. Normally, even though the female riders had a shorter course, they never managed to reach the top before a male. It was Adamson’s first time in a mountain bike race. Adamson who is the BVI’s top female cyclist said she only had two hours of practice on Friday prior to the race. “It was good. It was a nice course,” she remarked noting that she is looking forward to participate next year and better her time. Adamson rode her 30 mile race in 2 hours 20 minutes and 55 seconds while the only other female competitor Patlian Johnson rode hers in 2 hours 55 minutes and 55 seconds.

The other competitors were: Matthew Collins, 4th , 3 hours 17 minutes and 53 seconds, Simon Cook, 5th, 3 hours 20 minutes and 38 seconds, Jim Cullimore, 6th, 3 hours 28 minutes and 30 seconds. Keble McDonald and Joe Giacinto rounded out the small field in 7th and 8th place respectively in 4 hours and 57 secs and 4 hours and 59 secs.

2nd place women's finisher, Pat Johnson, winds her way up Windy Hill.

Riding his 14th Tour, Phillippe looks comfortable on Windy Hill.

Andrew "Tubes" Thompson working his way up Windy Hill.

© Copyright 2003 BVI Cycling Federation

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