The Bermuda Bicycle Association unveiled the lineup of cyclists set to represent Bermuda at the 2024 Pan American Road Championship in São José dos Campos, Brazil, from May 20th to 26th. With a stellar roster of talent poised to showcase their skills on the international stage, Bermuda is primed to make a mark in the realm of Pan-American cycling.
Representing Bermuda will be Conor White, Kaden Hopkins, Gabriella Arnold and Nic Narraway.
"All four of these cyclists have demonstrated strong results showcasing Bermuda on the international stage. Last year at this event were Hopkins podiumed with a 3rd in the Individual Time Trial, so there are expectations” acknowledged Peter Dunne, president of the Bermuda Bicycle Association.
"However, we recognize that the Road Race will be challenging, as our cyclists will be facing full teams of six riders from other countries. While Hopkins and White can work together to some extent, Arnold and Narraway will be facing their events solo. This presents a unique challenge, particularly as opposing teams work to control the pace of the race. Nonetheless, our cyclists are prepared to tackle this challenge head-on."
In the Elite Male Category is Hopkins. Based in France/Spain with team Vendée U, Hopkins' recent performance at the Flèche du Sud underscores his ability to compete at the highest level. Hopkins clinched a bronze medal at this event in the individual time trial. In 2023. With a hunger for success and a relentless drive, Hopkins is looking to bring it all together in Brazil.
Joining Hopkins is White, a seasoned competitor who rides for the Austin Outlaws, he brings a wealth of experience, having clinched bronze medals at both the 2023 Pan Am Games individual Time Trial and the 2023 Central American and Caribbean Games individual time trial. Fresh from an intensive training block in Spain, White is poised to unleash his full potential at the championship.
In the Elite Female Category, Bermuda is represented by the talented Arnold, whose dedication and passion for the sport continue to propel her in women's cycling. Currently riding for LA Sweat Racing and fresh from a rigorous team training camp, Arnold is primed to represent Bermuda and showcase her skills and challenge for top honors in Brazil.
Completing Bermuda's contingent is the promising talent of Narraway, competing in the U23 male category. Narraway is balancing cycling at the elite level riding for Team California p/b Verge while working to complete his degree at Fort Lewis College in Colorado. Narraway comes hot of back-to-back race weeks at prestigious events such as the Tour of the Gila, USA Collegiate Nationals, and the Gran Premio New York City this past Sunday and is hoping to be able to showcase his on this international stage.
Traveling with the team are Peter Dunne, president of the Bermuda Bicycle Association as team manager and Paulo Medeiros, co-owner of Winners Edge bike shop as a mechanic.
The 2024 Pan American Road Championship, organized by the Brazilian Cycling Confederation and the Paulista Cycling Federation, promises a thrilling showcase of cycling excellence. With races adhering to UCI rules and featuring competitors from a diverse array of countries, including Bermuda, the championship is set to captivate audiences with its blend of athleticism, strategy, and sheer determination.
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