Bermuda’s top mountain bikers, Robin Horsfield and Gabriella Arnold, delivered determined efforts at the 2025 Caribbean Mountain Bike Championships, held July 24–25 at Complejo Deportivo La Barranquita.
In the fast‑paced Elite Men’s Cross-Country Short Circuit, Georwill Pérez Román of Puerto Rico claimed gold in 20 minutes and 2 seconds. Riding against a field of 12, Horsfield finished a close 4th, clocking 20 minutes and 50 seconds, demonstrating tactical prowess and speed on the short track.
In the Elite Women’s Short Circuit Arnold was riding strongly, sitting in second place, before suffering an unfortunate injury that forced her to abandon the race (DNF). She was forced to withdraw from the Elite Women’s Cross-Country Olympic event. “We’re all wishing Gabby a speedy and full recovery,” said Peter Dunne, President of the Bermuda Bicycle Association.
Then in the Elite Men’s Cross-Country Olympic race on the grueling Olympic-distance course, Román again topped the podium in 1 hour, 20 minutes and 59 seconds. Horsfield delivered a strong performance to finish 8th, crossing the line in a time of 1 hour 28 minutes, and 54 seconds, a commendable effort on a demanding terrain.
The Championships also served as a qualifier for the 2026 Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games, with the top six finishers in each Elite XCO event qualifying their country for a spot, limited to a maximum of two riders per gender per nation.
Although Horsfield placed 8th, he is still expected to secure a qualification spot for Bermuda. This is because the Dominican Republic, as host nation, automatically receives two entries. Since four Dominican riders finished in the top seven, only two of their results will count toward qualification, effectively moving Horsfield’s placing into a qualifying position.
“Based on the qualification materials the Bermuda Bicycle Association has received, Horsfield’s placing should qualify Bermuda for a slot at the CAC Games,” Dunne stated. “Though confirmation may take some time, we’re confident that ratification is on the way.”
Both athletes remain 2025 Bermuda National Mountain Bike Champions, and their performances highlight the island’s growth in off-road cycling, driven by community groups like Fattire Massive and overseen by the Bermuda Bicycle Association.
Despite setbacks and fierce regional competition, Horsfield and Arnold demonstrated resilience, skill, and promise under challenging conditions.
|
