One of the most challenging and prestigious events on the cycling calendar, the Bermuda Bicycle Association's (BBA) Presidents Cup Cycling Road Race, is set to return this Sunday, October 5th. The grueling multi-parish course will test the island's best riders as they compete for one of the most coveted titles in local cycling.
The pressure will be on the defending champions, Conor White and Olympian Erica Hawley, who both braved challenging conditions in 2024 to claim their respective victories. Their absence or presence will heavily influence the race dynamics, setting the stage for a fiercely contested Elite Men's and Women's competition.
The 2025 race covers a vast section of the island, demanding both endurance and tactical brilliance. The race starts with a neutral rollout from Front Street by the No. 1 parking lot.
The official racing commences near Black Watch Pass on North Shore Road. From there, the route takes riders on a demanding loop that includes:
A challenging eastern section from Flatts through Blue Hole Hill, crossing The Causeway and navigating the intricate roads around Cooper's Island and St. David's.
The mid-section features a long stretch of Southside Road before re-crossing The Causeway and turning onto Wilkinson Avenue and Harrington Sound Road.
The final third is an epic journey west, turning onto South Road and continuing through Collectors Hill and Trimingham Hill. The course then heads across Somerset Bridge and through Dockyard for a crucial U-turn in front of the Clocktower.
The riders return east via Middle Road before taking a final turn onto South Road for the finish line at Southlands Park.
The inclusion of the steep climbs, the long, open stretches susceptible to wind, and the technical sections near Dockyard ensure that this year's Presidents Cup will once again be a decisive proving ground for Bermuda’s elite cycling talent.
|
