White Wins Thrilling Sprint Finish to Claim President’s Cup
IslandStats.com
The Bermuda Bicycle Association’s 2025 President’s Cup delivered a dramatic finish to a demanding island-wide route on Sunday, October 26. Starting on Front Street and concluding at Southlands Park, the 100-plus kilometre race saw Conor White triumph in a spectacular sprint finish.
This year’s course, revised to expertly navigate several active roadwork areas, tested the stamina and tactics of the entire field. The race began with a cautious, neutralised start on Front Street, passing through Flatts before officially restarting the clock at the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum and Zoo (BAMZ) following the swift clearance of the route by the diligent Ministry of Public Works and the Works and Engineering team.
Once racing resumed, the peloton immediately hit pace, carving a route across North Shore, The Causeway, Southside, and a lengthy stretch of South Road before the final ascent to Southlands Park.
In the Overall / Open Men's category, the victory came down to mere inches. Conor White crossed the line first in a time of 2:19:06, with Matt Boys and Steven Smith finishing in the exact same time, separated only by the finest of margins in the sprint for the line. The win is White’s third win in a row.
The next generation also shone brightly, with Jackson Langley taking the Junior Men's title in 2:19:09, followed by Ollie Hayward (2:20:46) and Dylan Eisel (2:20:49).
In the Open Women's race, Panzy Olander put in a superb effort to claim the top spot, finishing in a strong time of 2:23:58.
Race Director Deborah Narraway extended her profound thanks to the vast support network that ensured the event’s safety, specifically mentioning the Bermuda Police Service for their flawless escort and the "exceptional team of marshals" coordinated by Lesley White, who managed critical intersections alongside officers.
"Events like the Presidents Cup are only possible through collaboration, from police escorts and marshals to our timing and officiating teams," Narraway said, acknowledging the essential contributions of other officials. "We’re grateful to everyone who helped ensure another successful and safe edition of this iconic race.”
Bermuda's Mountain Bike National Champion Robin Horsfield is back to winning ways as he ramps up preparations for the 2026 season, following a difficult year marred by illness.
Having suffered a season of setbacks due to a viral infection and a parasite, Horsfield put his fat tires away after a visit to Bermuda in September and returned to Canada to focus on cross-training.
The shift in discipline has paid immediate dividends. Horsfield has been competing in the weekly Kelso Cyclocross Series, demonstrating excellent form and endurance on the challenging terrain.
The Bermudian has secured consecutive victories in the series:
Cyclo Cross Race 3: Horsfield took the win with a time of 48 minutes and 3.05 seconds (48:03.05). Cyclo Cross Race 4: He followed that up with another victory, improving his time to 47 minutes and 24.15 seconds (47:24.15).
Horsfield's decisive wins in the weekly series suggest he has fully recovered and is on track for a strong 2026 campaign. His coach has previously noted that the Bermudian has set his primary target squarely upon the Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games in 2026.
Saturday, October 18, 2025
Weather Forces Big Sugar Change as Arnold Tests Gravel
IslandStats.com
Bermudian cyclist Gabriella Arnold faced an unexpected course change at the Life Time Big Sugar Gravel race in Arkansas, just one week after her success at the Caribbean Elite Cycling Championships.
Organizers of the prominent American gravel race took the decisive action to move all 100-mile riders, including the elite field, to the shorter 50-mile course. The decision was made due to severe storms and the threat of a tornado watch expected to impact the region, prioritizing rider safety.
The sudden change in distance meant the elite riders, including Arnold, had to adapt their strategy from a long endurance test to a fast, explosive half-century sprint.
Arnold was competing in the Big Sugar 50 Mile Elite Women’s race, fresh off winning two medals in Belize.
The race was dominated by the Life Time Grand Prix leader, Sofia Gomez Villafane, who took a decisive victory with a winning time of 2 hours, 36 minutes, and 23 seconds.
Arnold clocked a respectable time of 3:15:26 in the grueling gravel conditions.
Her time secured her 47th place in a highly competitive Elite Women's Division field, rounding out a successful two weeks of racing that saw her transition from her regional road and time trial success to the challenging world of American gravel racing.
Friday, October 17, 2025
New Medals Stir Memories of Bermuda’s Anti-Doping Past
IslandStats.com
The recent uplift of Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games medals for Bermudian cyclists Conor White and Kaden Hopkins, following a rival's doping violation, has brought back memories of the island’s past involvement in the fight against cheating in the sport.
The Bermuda Bicycle Association (BBA) has previously been at the centre of a high-profile doping case.
In 2011, British cyclist Damien Sharp received a two-year ban after testing positive for the performance-enhancing substance EPO. The positive test occurred at an event organised by the BBA on 17 July 2011, with the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) also involved in the operation.
Sharp waived his right to a hearing and accepted the ban, which concluded in August 2013. The BBA was officially notified of the positive test result a month after the sample was taken.
The BBA also previously showed a willingness to learn more about doping head-on when, in 2007, they invited former professional cyclist David Millar to be a guest speaker at its Annual Awards dinner. Millar, who had himself served a two-year ban for doping offences, presented a ten-minute documentary about his career and took questions from attendees regarding his ban.
Thursday, October 16, 2025
Cycling Doping Violation Earns Medal Upgrades
IslandStats.com
The Bermuda Bicycle Association (BBA) proudly celebrates the official medal upgrades for national cyclists Conor White and Kaden Hopkins following the reassignment of results from the 2023 Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games held in San Salvador, El Salvador.
Following a doping violation by another Games participant, Conor White has been awarded the Silver Medal in the Men’s Individual Time Trial, while Kaden Hopkins receives the Bronze Medal in the Men’s Road Race.
A special presentation was held with the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport,Owen Darrell, who shared his congratulations, stating:
“On behalf of the Government and people of Bermuda, I extend heartfelt congratulations to Conor White and Kaden Hopkins on this well-deserved recognition of their outstanding performances at the 2023 Central American and Caribbean Games. Their dedication and pursuit of excellence continue to make Bermuda proud on the international stage. It is an honour to celebrate their achievements and to acknowledge the hard work and commitment that have brought them to this moment.”
BBA President Peter Dunne commended the athletes’ perseverance and highlighted the importance of integrity in sport:
“It has been a long road to this moment of recognition for Conor and Kaden, but their performances in San Salvador were of the highest level and deserving of these awards. While the delay was unfortunate, we appreciate their patience through the process and commend Centro Caribe Sports for ensuring that fair play prevailed.
The Bermuda Bicycle Association upholds the principles of clean sport through full compliance with the World Anti-Doping Code and the Bermuda Sport Anti-Doping Authority (BSADA). We also recognise that safeguarding is equally essential — promoting a positive and protective environment for all riders, volunteers, and supporters. This outcome reinforces the values that define our sport and the example set by these athletes.”
The Bermuda Bicycle Association extends congratulations to both riders and gratitude to the Bermuda Olympic Association and Centro Caribe Sports for their continued advocacy and support of fair and safe competition.
