The Regional Integration Unit of the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) in Saint Lucia, in collaboration with the Saint Lucia Cycling Association, recently hosted the Caribbean Connection Cycling Championship.
Held last Sunday, July 21, this event celebrated community spirit and served as a platform to showcase the achievements and roles of CARICOM and the OECS.
The championship featured an 86 km circuit with a challenging 10-lap route, starting from the Castries Waterfront, heading north to the Choc-Union Roundabout, and returning to the Waterfront.
The race concluded with an awards ceremony, where 24 cyclists from Saint Lucia, Barbados, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Martinique demonstrated their talents.
Benjamin Payen from Martinique emerged as the winner, completing the race in 2 hours, 12 minutes, and 43 seconds. Yohann Pierre Louis (also from Martinique) secured second place with a time of 2 hours, 19 minutes, and 3 seconds, while Saint Lucian Stanislas Winston Williams claimed third place, finishing in 2 hours, 19 minutes, and 10 seconds.
In the Junior Under-19 Category, Yohann Pierre Louis clinched the top position, followed by Daniel Lashley of Barbados in second place (2 hours, 22 minutes, and 31 seconds) and Andy Surbon of Martinique in third (2 hours, 22 minutes, and 43 seconds).
The championship not only raised the profile of cycling in Saint Lucia but also celebrated the spirit of Caribbean identity by emphasizing “our shared culture, values, and the bonds that unite us as a region.” Event organizers highlighted the importance of competition, support, and inspiration among diverse nations, extending congratulations to all participants and anticipating future editions of the Caribbean Connection Cycling Championship, which will continue to promote health, unity, and regional pride.