Old Harbour’s Forrest and Dixon crowned national cycling champions

Jerome Forrest and Jaequan Dixon dominated the Men’s Elite and Men’s Junior categories respectively to claim top honours in Ocho Rios, St Ann.

Sixteen-year-old Dixon, who had a punctured tyre and failed to finish the Time Trial on Saturday in Rae Town, Kingston, returned for the Road Race on the second and final day, to race clear of the field.

The St Catherine High School student, who won the Juvenile category last year, added another silverware to his growing reputation, by finishing ahead of Kristan McFarlane and Damaine Douglas in third.

“First thing first, after winning the national championship in 2022, I was overwhelmed with joy and I was really anxious for 2023 national championship. It's really another hurdle I've crossed because the journey doesn't stop here, it's most likely to have just started and I'm hoping to continue doing my best and capturing as much victories in the upcoming cycling years,” said Dixon before adding: “This is just the beginning! My aim is to shock the world at a young age.”

Dixon’s clubmate and training partner Peter Robinson was fourth.

The anticipated showdown between defending champion Barenton Bailey and title challenger Jerome Forrest lived up to its true billing. But after a battle of wits, stamina and race tactics, it is Forrest who reign triumphantly to be crowned national champion for the first time in his career.

“The race was a fairly good one and I must say I'm absolutely proud to be the national champion. Even though I wasn't at my best because I was injured for the past few weeks and I only started training a week ago. But regardless of that my expectation and my goal was to win and I came out here and did just that,” said the 29-year-old Old Harbour resident. “However, winning this championship is not mine alone to celebrate. I thank God for this victory and thanks to my supporters, mentors, and loved ones who have motivated me. Also, I want to express gratitude to my teammates for putting up a good fight. And last but not least, to my cycling club Elevation cycling club for their ongoing support.”

In other divisions, Kirk Finnikin won the men’s Masters ahead of Clarence Smith and Shawn Jeffery, while Cajur Chue sealed the Juvenile category competed only with Khalil Francis.

In congratulating her champion riders for a “job well done”, club president Velana Creary said: “I am elated for our victory once again for housing two champions for two consecutive year. Hard work and dedication pays off.  We will keep pushing forward as a team to help motivate and elevate our youths, this is just the beginning. And we look forward for great things and more champions from ECC.”