Bermudians Antoine Richards and Paul DeCouto finished an encouraging tenth place in the recently completed WERA Cycle Jam four-hour National Endurance Race in Virginia.

The pair, along with American duo Alan Nelson and Huntley Nash, rode in the 1000cc class, finishing tenth overall and second in their class as the Virginia International Raceway.

Racing under the Cycle Care Racing logo and assisted by crew and mechanics from AB-1 Motorsports, the foursome didn't decide to enter the race until the morning of the event.

Without any real preparation the AB-1 Motorsports crew quickly readied the Cycle Care Racing Yamaha R1 for the four hours of torture it was about to endure.DeCouto started the race followed by Nelson, Richards, with Nash completing the derby.

Nash and Nelson both rode a second stint on the R1 and finished the race second in class.

This was the first endurance race the Bermudian pair had ever competed in, and first time Richards and Nash had ever ridden a 1000cc race bike.

Reflecting on the memorable accomplishment, Richards was excited about the experience although it did take a lot out of each rider that participated.

"All of the riders gave 100% and special mention must go to Aaron and Spencer Brown of AB-1 Motorsports for their excellent bike preparation, pit strategy, and lightning fast pit stops," said Richards.

"It was a great experience for everyone especially me, I got to do new things, went faster than before and things like that.

"We all rode at least 40 minutes each, which is different from what I'm used to.

"I've been doing a lot of riding schools, including one is California and Illinois as well as two races. This was my first time on a valid 1000cc race bike that belong to Paul because I am more used to riding 600cc and it is also my first time doing an endurance race

"It was the longest I have been on a bike.

We had a good pit strategy, which was to use the least amount of pit stops we can, so it was pretty gruelling

"By time you get off the bike your body is numb and tingling, and you are just trying to hold on while you are out there.

"You definitely had to pace yourself."