Cycling has been picking up speed in Cayman over the last couple of years, and although the halcyon days of Cayman Cycling may be long gone due to changes in Olympic qualification requirements, local cyclists are become more, and more competitive as well.

The biggest event for the local cycling community is the Cayman Classic Series, set to take place in May. The series will feature five events, spread over five weekends in May and testing the skills and fitness of local cyclists to the fullest. It is organised by the Cayman Islands Cycling Association, and features divisions for men, women, juniors and veterans, with the overall title being decided based on points awarded for finishing position in each of the five events that make up the series.

1 May – 5k time trial – Defending champion: Steve Abbott/Toni Pinkerton

The series will kick off with a 5 kilometre individual time trial on Sunday 1 May. The event sees cyclists take off at intervals and make their way along an out and back course. The winner is the cyclists with the fastest time. The event is also the perfect way for cyclists to see exactly where they are compared to other cyclists on the Island, as well as presenting a great opportunity to track improvement year on year, as the same course along the Newlands Bypass is used every year.

Tactics: Don’t start too fast, as you can lose a lot of time if you ‘blow up’ before the finish line. Pace yourself and take not of the wind direction as well.

8 May – 45 mile Road Race – Defending champion: Jasper Mikkelsen/Pam Travers

The second event is a 45-mile road race, with cyclists setting off as a group from Grand Harbour, completing one loop of the eastern end of the Island before returning to the finish line just past Lantern Point. The event will feature a neutral zone until the bunch hits Bodden Town, which will allow less experienced cyclists to ride with the rest of the group before the racing proper starts. The event is usually characterised by a couple of cyclists breaking away from the rest of the pack and fighting it out for the win.

Tactics: Staying in someone else’s slipstream can save you a lot of energy, so staying in the bunch is a good option. Some stronger cyclists will try breaking away from the bunch during the race in the hope of avoiding a sprint finish, while others will try to wait until the finish line is in sight to make their move.

15 May – Circuit Race – Defending champion: Michele Smith/Pam Travers

The third event in the series features a circuit race, which is contested around a short circuit raced for an hour plus three laps. The style of racing favours cyclists with good acceleration and bike handling as there are many corners to keep things interesting, while the short circuit makes it convenient for anyone who might be unsure whether they will be able to complete the full distance, as it is easy to pull out once you get too tired.

Tactics: As the bunch slows down before a corner and accelerates out of it, you get a ‘concertina effect’ with the cyclists in the rear having to slow down earlier and taking longer to accelerate. The front of the bunch is the place to be, but it is very hard work to stay there, which makes it a balancing act between saving energy and being in the ideal position.

22 May – 60-mile road race – Defending champion: Steve Abbott/Pam Travers

The race follows the same format as the second race in the series, but adds another loop of the East End circuit in order to lift the race distance. The event will favour the cyclists who have been paying attention to their endurance, as the distance and heat can take its toll on even the fittest competitors.

Tactics: Due to the longer race distance, the bunch might be inclined to let an early breakaway go down the road, as very few cyclists will be able to ride on their own out front for 50 miles. However, the smart money is on cyclists saving their efforts for the second lap in the hope that those who wasted their energy earlier on will fade towards the end.

29 May – 19 mile time trial – Defending champion: Michele Smith/Toni Pinkerton

The traditional conclusion of the series is a 19-mile individual time trial starting and finishing at the Reef Resort in East End. The current course record is held by Garmin-Cervelo professional cyclist Pete Stetina, who completed the course in 38:33 in November 2009. The local course record is held by Michele Smith at 41:51.

Tactics: Pacing is very important in this event, as many inexperienced racers go too hard on the climb away from the Reef, and end up paying for it the rest of the ride. The second half of the course, from the Frank Sound junction, is also exposed to the wind and tends to be much harder than the first half, so don’t overdo it early on.   WH

For more information on the event, visit caymancycling.com. 

What to know:

All participants will be required to wear approved cycling helmets for all events

Although triathlon bicycles will be allowed in all events, participants will not be allowed to use their tribars in the two road races or the circuit race.

Other events:

10 April:

The annual Cayman 100 returns! The event features a 100 mile social bike ride, with cyclists sticking together for a circumnavigation of Grand Cayman, starting and finish at Seven Mile Public Beach. The start is scheduled for 5.30am, with the ride expected to take around six and a half hours. It includes a backup vehicle and water stops along the way. The event has become very popular over the last couple of years, and serves as the traditional wakeup call for all those who need to start doing some last minute training for the Cayman Classic Series.

4 - 5 April:

Ever since the Brac Turtle Tri stopped taking place a couple of years ago, the Brac has not seen many local cyclists take to its roads. However, with the highest elevation in the Cayman Islands, it presents a unique challenge that cannot be matched on Grand Cayman. The 53//11 Crankers cycling club has organised two events on the Brac, scheduled for the Easter long weekend. The Cayman Brac Bluff Challenge will kick off on Sunday 24 April with the 60 mile Estella Scott-Roberts Memorial Road Race, and conclude with a time trial on Monday 25 April.