Adrian Frater, News Editor
WESTERN BUREAU:

EIGHTEEN-YEAR-OLD ALDEN Clunis of Above Rocks in St. Andrew, emerged the toast of yesterday final day of the Rotary Club of Montego Bay East Bikeathon 2006/Jamaica Challenge when he outclassed the star-studded profes-sional/amateur field to win the 75 kilometres road race from Montego Bay to Lucea and back.

"I am feeling like a champion because the field included so many top riders and I managed to leave them all behind," said the soft-spoken Clunis, who entered as a category three and four rider. "When I found myself in front with 15 miles to go I said a silent prayer and decided to go for it."

In pedalling his way to victory, the resolute Clunis, who blunted the challenge of top contenders such as last year's champion Raydeen Lawson, Oniel Samuels, Dean Martin and Carlton Simmonds - all national representatives, said he hopes his win will elevate him into the national spotlight.

WILL BE BACK

"My ambition is to ride for Jamaica, and I hope this victory will help me to get the recognition I am seeking," said Clunis. "This victory will stay with me for a long time and God's willing, I am sure I will be back next year to defend my title."

Simmonds, a category one and two contender, finished second behind Clunis, while Bromfield, a category three and four rider finished third. Category three and four riders Lionel Stewart and Oniel Sinclair finished fourth and fifth respectively.

In the secondary event, the 25 kilometres ride to the Great River Bridge and back, which was contested by the juniors and recreational riders, Ricardo Kerr crossed the finishing line in front. Javan Gibbs and Damion Gordon took second and third respectively. Simon Hall was the first woman rider across the line.

In Saturday's criterion at the Montego Bay Park Estate, rising national star Samuels won the main event, the one-hour plus three laps event for category one and two riders, ahead of Lawson, who led in the initial stages, but faded towards the end. Dean Martin finished third.

In the other criterion events, the top placings were as follows: Junior and Recreation - first - Kenneth Kerr, second - Paul Dunn, and third - Brandon Bailey-Haye; Category three and four - first - Lionel Stewart, second -Linford Blackwood; third - Oniel Sinclair; and Masters - first - Donald Hall, second - Winston Virgo, and third - David Brissette.

Other winners on yesterday's final day were as follows: Under 10 (five kilometre) - Owen Cardoza won ahead of his brother Dejay Cardoza while in the female segment, Danara Hall crossed the line ahead of Oliver Chin.