Robin Horsfield is waiting with bated breath for confirmation that he has secured Bermuda’s maiden qualification in mountain bike for the 2026 Central American and Caribbean Games.

Horsfield finished eighth overall today at the Caribbean Mountain Bike Championships in Santiago de los Caballeros, Dominican Republic. With only riders from the host nation and Puerto Rico finishing ahead of him, the Bermudian’s chances look good.

“I believe I have qualified for the CAC Games, but that’s yet to be confirmed,” Horsfield told The Royal Gazette.

“Each country can send two riders and Bermuda was the third-placed country. It was a good race with a lot of fast guys.

“We had Puerto Rico and Dominican Republic having some really strong riders. It was a strong field; in the first lap I was with the front group, but it was tough with the heat.

“Overall, I was satisfied with my performance. I gave it the best I could and I look forward to building from here for my races in Canada.”

Peter Dunne, the Bermuda Bicycle Association president, stated that on the basis of the information provided, it will be a matter of time before the ratification comes through.

“Based on the qualification materials that we’ve been sent, Bermuda has qualified,” Dunne said.

“Riders from Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico were ahead of him. With Dominican Republic hosting the CAC Games, it means that they get automatic qualification.

“The confirmation may take a while, but we are pretty sure that is coming.”

Sadly for female rider Gabriella Arnold, she was forced to withdraw from the race after suffering a laceration to her hand from a crash the day before. The 29-year-old headed back to her base in Indianapolis for her recovery.

“Gabby had a bad crash yesterday,” Horsfield said. “She had to get stitches on her hand and was unable to race.”