THE VALLEY, Anguilla (CMC) – Over 60 riders from at least eight Caribbean islands will be in action today when the 13th annual John Thomas Memorial Regional Classic rides off. According to George Lake, president of the Anguilla Amateur Cycling Association (AACA),  this year’s race has attracted riders from Antigua and Barbuda, St Kitts, Nevis,  St Martin, St Maarten, Guadeloupe, British and US Virgin Islands and the host island Anguilla.
Guyanese firefighter Walter Grant-Stuart, who lost his right arm in a vehicular accident in his home country four years ago, will be returning to the British overseas territory to defend his 2011 title.
Last year scores of Anguillans lined the 164-kilometre route to see the physically challenged cyclist dominate the race from start to finish and marvelled at his exceptional performance.
It has been reported on national radio here that Grant-Stuart will be spearheading a small contingent of riders from the South American nation.
Grant-Stuart won the 2011 race in three hours, 43 minutes 12.690 seconds followed by St Maarten’s Frank Pangan and the St Martin representative, Jean Marie Poyo.
Last year’s event featured one female rider Sasha Lloyd of Nevis who failed to complete the gruelling contest. Thirty-one cyclists entered the event and 27 finished.
Anguilla, who has never won the race, will this year be entering a four-man national team for the first time.
The John T. Memorial cycle race is staged by AACA annually in honour of late Anguillan sports enthusiast John Thomas who was a pioneer in the cycling arena.