Darel Christopher Jr. about to start his time trial run.

TORTOLA—British Virgin Islands cyclist Darel Christopher Jr., bagged a top 10 finish during Saturday’s Caribbean Jr. Cycling Championships time trial held in Curacao.

Christopher—competing in his last championship before moving up to the senior level next season—placed eight over all, while teammate Deane Fonseca made his debut with a 14th place showing. Christopher’s time over the 12.5 mile course was 31 minutes and 8 seconds.

“Our guys actually rode really well,” BVI Cycling Federation president said. “Christopher missed sixth place by .30 seconds. “Dean did very well, since it as the first time he was at a major cycling event.” Both cyclist rode in Sunday’s road race, but Thomas said since the start was pushed back by two hours, from 8-10 a.m., he knew they would not be able to finish the race as they had a 2 p.m. flight.

“I told Darel to attack early and often and he did from the gun, leading the race for the first lap and a half,” Thomas recalled. “What was most impressive to me, was after the field realized he looked like a threat, they caught him, he stayed with them, then he attacked several more times, so I was really happy with the way he rode.”
Thomas said with Fonseca—riding at that level for the first time—it was just too much for him. “He could not believe the speeds of they guys and only lasted about three and then he was done, because they were going to lap him,” Thomas said. “But, all in all, it was a good weekend for us. I hope that they can work a little harder and we can have something going as far as the juniors go.”

And the're off...the start of the Junior road race.

Deane Fonseca starting his time trial run at his first championships.

© Copyright 2003 BVI Cycling Federation

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