Hopkins Wins Opening TT as Bermuda Pair Make Strong Start
IslandStats.com
Kaden Hopkins made the perfect start to the Tour Cycliste International de la Guadeloupe, powering to victory in the opening individual time trial, while fellow Bermudian Nicholas Narraway also impressed with a top-five finish.
The prestigious 10-stage race got under way with an 11.9km individual time trial around Petit-Canal, providing the riders with an early opportunity to establish themselves in the general classification.
Representing Atom 6 Bikes - Cycleur de Luxe - Auto Stroo Team, Hopkins produced a commanding ride, stopping the clock in 14 minutes 03 seconds to claim the stage win and pull on the race leader's jersey.
Narraway, riding for Competitive Edge Racing, also enjoyed an encouraging start to the tour. The Bermudian completed the course in 14:23, a performance good enough for fifth place against a competitive international field.
Hopkins' victory gives him an early advantage heading into the remaining nine stages, while Narraway has also positioned himself well as the race moves into the road stages, where both riders will look to build on an impressive opening-day performance.
Speaking to the media following the event Hopkins said, "I knew before the race that I had a good level for the time trial at the moment. Over the last month, I’ve had a lot of training time on the bike. Last week, I also had another time trial, so I could see that my level was good.
This morning, I had good legs. In front of the coach, I was feeling confident, and yeah, I'm glad to finish the job."
On the Team's Strategy:
"There isn't one specific person for the general classification, but for every stage, I think we have someone. I think we have a great team for every stage—a strong rider for the mountains, the breakaways, and the sprints."
With nine stages still to come, Bermuda's pair have laid down an early marker in one of the Caribbean's premier cycling events, ensuring they will be among the riders to watch as the battle for overall honors unfolds.
