Jamaican cyclist loses important stage two JMICC win

NATIONAL CYCLIST Jerome Forrest outlasted the field to capture stage two of the Jamaica Montego Bay International Cycling Classic (JMICC), but his win was short-lived, as he was relegated to 11th position, following a race infringement.

Forrest and his Jamaica Elite One team had the win taken away and were docked points after it was confirmed by Trinidadian race commissaire, Rowena Williams, that the team’s coaching staff had used radios to communicate to the riders during the race, which was not permitted.

Forrest was then stripped of the win and a possible 23 points. According to national coach Adrian Clarke, the relegation was unfortunate.

“Those rules were not officiated to us at the technical meeting but, yes, it has set us back and it was an obstacle in our way, but we will just have to double our effort for today’s final stage.”

In the meantime, American Andy Scarano, who finished second in the 86-mile return race from Whitter Village to Discovery Bay, was promoted to first place. Scarano who claimed the opening day stage race has now jumped out to a 24-point lead in the overall standings with 46 points.

His teammate Brenden Cornett from Team 706P jumped to second while Jamaican Under-23 rider Khori Mauricette ended in third place. Cajur Chue from Team MoBay and Andrew Ramsey from Team Jamaica Elite rounded out the top five.

BITTERSWEET WIN

For Scarano, the stage win was a bittersweet one, having battled for close to three hours with Forrest over the hilly terrain in Duncans.

“It’s unfortunate for Forrest that he was relegated and that it turned out that way, he was a strong sprinter and rider, but the rules are the rules. Today is going to be a shorter race so it will play out more aggressively and we have to be on full gas from early and hopefully we can hold on to the lead.”

Team 706 P has taken over the overall lead in the team standings with 68 points, followed by Team Jamaica Elite One, with 35 points. Team Jamaica Under-23 is in the third position with 31 points, followed by Team MoBay with eight points, the same as Team St Vincent.

The final day will culminate with the third and final stage from Whitter Village to Duncans and back. There will also be an 11-mile race for under-18s, women and masters from Whitter Village to Seacastle and back.