Ryan Thompson made local cycling history by taking second in the juvenile individual time trial at the Caribbean Cycling Union Junior Championships in Barbados on the morning of 30 Aug.
The achievement marks the first-ever medal for the Cayman Islands at the Caribbean cycling championships across all categories – a result described by Cayman Cycling as “a true breakthrough moment for Cayman cycling and a performance that will be remembered for years to come”.
The group added, “The future of Cayman cycling is here. Ryan showed grit, speed and determination, proving Cayman riders belong on the regional stage.”
Thompson, who is just 15 years old, will take part in a 42-mile road race in Barbados on 31 Aug.
In the 7-mile competition on 30 August, he sped to the finish line in a time of 16 minutes and 11 seconds, which put him just 10 seconds behind the first-place finisher in the juvenile division for 15- and 16-year-olds.
When Compass Media spoke to Thompson, he said he was resting and loading up on carbohydrates in preparation for the next race.
Speaking about his breakout performance in the time trials, he said, “I want to thank my coach, Ken Gokool, for helping me achieve this result.”
His father, Olney Thompson, who is with Ryan in Barbados, also thanked Cayman Cycling, the Ministry of Youth and Sports, and the Cayman Islands Olympic Committee for their encouragement and support.
