Remarkably, with more than 150 races organized by the BVI Cycling Federation over the first 10 years of its existence, Jim Cullimore who presided for the first seven years has only missed five races. On July 19, he completed his 10th successive Tour de Tortola, in the 10th Anniversary of the Federation and finished ninth overall. Jim took time out to reflect on riding the tour.

Jim Cullimore right, receives congratulations from BVI Cycling Federation President David Thomas on his completion of the tour and winning his division

Jim, your 10th Tour de Tortola, what was the goal in this one?

“The goal is always to finish. I wanted to break 3-hours which I did by about six minutes. But, this was one of the hardest races I’ve ever done.”

Why?

“Well, I was determined not to have a bad tour like I did last year and the year before with mechanical failures and punctures, so I had my head down the whole time and I just pushed and pushed.”

Were there any parts in the race that you had to do anything you’ve never done before?

“No not really. I certainly attacked the down hills a little more seriously than I do in general, because down hilling is very dangerous. It’s very slick you know. But, I think I gained a lot on the down hills today.”

Is this one of the fastest times you’ve had on the tour in a while?

Determination!!

“Yes it is, without a doubt. I feel very good about it.”

Looking back at past tours, what stands our in your mind along the way?

“Well, the tour is a challenge. There’s no doubt about it. We had people today for the first time who completed it and they will understand now what the tour means. And, our overseas riders always mention, ‘This is a tough, tough course.’ It’s a challenge of yourself. Not of riding a bike or anything. It’s to challenge yourself on this course. It’s a great experience. I love doing it."

When the tour started in 1993, did you envisage it coming to what it is today?

“Oh no. No (laughing). In 10 years, you can’t look in a crystal ball and see what going to happen over 10 years. But, there’s no doubt about it. This race has become very well know in the Caribbean. Locally, it’s been supported very well by Clarence Thomas Ltd., and the riders who do participate in this race always enjoy it, as tough as it is.”

All smiles on Windy hill.

Also looking back at past tours, what are some of your personal highlights from the various tours? If you were to give us a moment, what would that moment be?

“Boy, that’s a hard one. It’s hard looking back over 10 years of tours. You always look at the bad points-the punctures and the mechanical failures etc. But, just finishing a tour is always a highlight. Today was more so than most of them because, I pushed myself very hard today. I really wanted to win my division and I wanted a good result. I wanted to be in the top 10, so I achieved both things today.”

But in most of the tours, you have finished in the top 10 except a few times.

“That’s true. But, I think the competition has gotten better now than it used to be in the past. A lot of times in the past, we’ve had lots of recreational riders etc., people just going out there to challenge themselves. But now, the quality of riding is improving so much now, so, to get in the top 10 nowadays you have to be pretty good.”

Jim finishing Saturday's Time Trial.

© Copyright 2003 BVI Cycling Federation

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