GEORGETOWN, Guyana (CMC) – Llori Sharpe became the first Jamaican woman to clinch gold in the Elite Women’s Road Race at the 2024 Caribbean Cycling Championships, which culminated over the weekend in Georgetown, Guyana.

The two-day event, which featured a strong Jamaican squad under the guidance of Coach Carlton Simmonds, saw Sharpe attaining the feat on day two.

Riding strategically, she conserved her energy until the final kilometre, where she launched a decisive attack to break away from the leading pack and claim victory ahead of Bermuda’s Gabriella Arnold who took silver, and Guadeloupe’s Berenice Paul who earned bronze.

The resilient Sharpe almost took home more silverware as she finished 30 seconds shy of the bronze medal in the 18 km time trial.

While Sharpe celebrated her ground-breaking win, her teammates faced mixed fortunes. Competing in the Under-23 category, Damine Douglas encountered a flat tyre during the arduous 155 km race, which impacted his performance and led him to a 12th-place finish.

Andrew Ramsay finished 24th in the Elite Men’s race, while Obrian Madourie was unable to complete the course.

Cory Williams of Belize emerged as champion, with Jesus Cespedes from the Dominican Republic taking silver and Guyana’s John Briton securing bronze.