Warwick Academy’s Alyssa Rowse and Matthew Oliviera, two 16-year-old Year 11 students, raced on three consecutive days in The Butterfield Bermuda Grand Prix in the adult categories — and they won!

Association President, Mr Peter Dunne, had the following to say about the young cyclists’ achievements: “Alyssa and Matthew had a great weekend of racing and both emerged from three days of competition as the overall winners of the Butterfield Bermuda Grand Prix.

“Having these two Warwick Academy students win against the top cyclists in Bermuda is a clear testament to their commitment to training and racing.

“While the glory comes from winning competitions, there are countless hours of training, pushing themselves physically and mentally to develop the skills to be competitive cyclists. Alyssa has already had a great year of racing, both in mountain biking and road racing.

“The rough and somewhat dangerous off-road events require athletes to take on challenges that can seem quite daunting, made even more difficult when fellow competitors are breathing down your neck.

“Taking calculated risks and knowing when to hold back are all part of the growth process that she has been going through on the bike and now she is beginning to see the rewards.

“Similarly, Matthew has excelled in both cycling disciplines where the competition is very strong. Learning to deal with unexpected adversity, mechanical issues as well as the focus on long-term goals are all skills which he will have to draw on as his cycling career continues.

“We are thrilled to see that these two riders have had this level of success at age 16, suggesting that there are even greater rewards for them down the road.”

Alyssa’s rise in the cycling world comes at a time when the island is pushing an initiative to convert more female riders into racers. Wenda Roberts and April Galda Joyce have worked diligently to communicate with local females who ride regularly as to what would encourage them to start racing.

The introduction of a novice race season for women can only be enhanced by the great example Alyssa is setting to females of all ages.

April said: “Alyssa is developing into an all-around rider. She is strong at all three disciplines — an explosive and tactical road-racer, a powerful time-trialer and a technically-adept criterium racer.

“She has proven she has the strength and tenacity to power away from a very strong field of racers, regardless of their gender. Furthermore, given her newness to the sport, she is by no means done improving. Her performance is challenging all the women — and the vast majority of the men — to up their game.”

When asked to comment on Alyssa’s progress in the cycling arena, the island’s top male cyclist, Dominique Mayho took time out from racing in Belgium to say: “Alyssa has improved so much since last season. Through the winter I noticed how strong she was during the weekend group rides and watching her in the mountain bike races.

“Coming into the road season I knew she’d be strong enough to race in the Adult B category, but wasn’t sure if she’d feel intimidated by the adults. In the first race she proved that she can more than manage herself in the bunch and came second. She proved she’s the top female cyclist on the island right now.”

The future of cycling on the island looks extremely positive with a number of other teens also making incredible progress under the experienced guidance of Mr Dunne.

Well done to Alyssa, Matthew and all the young athletes in Bermuda who dedicate so much time and effort to compete at such a high level.