Belize City, May 19, 2013
Team Sagitun’s Shalini Zabaneh won the 2013 Women’s Cross Country Cycling Classic organized by the Belize Cycling Association, from San Ignacio to the finish line in front of Leslie’s Imports on the George Price Highway on Sunday.
Shalini rode the 70 miles in 3:55:21, almost an hour off the 3:07:29 pace set by the record-holder Brenda Aguayo in 2007. She won a $500 bonus prize from Tony’s Superstore for finishing in less than 4 hours, as well as $1,200 in cash prizes for her 1st place finish. She also won a return ticket the USA from Delta Airlines, a trophy from the BCA, the champion’s garland from Florasol, and a dinner for 2 at Bird’s Isle Restaurant.
Shalini was also crowned Queen of the Hills, claiming another $500 prize sponsored by Hyde’s Shipping and Tony’s Superstore; as she had scored for the most points, 15 total, at Go Slow at mile 62.5, the Three Sisters hill at mile 60 and Old Man Hill at mile 51.
Team SMART C-ray’s defending champion, Kaya Cattouse, clocked 4:17:23 to win $800 in prizes for her 2nd place finish, while Team BECOL’s Kerah Eiley clocked 4:17:25 to win $500 in prizes for 3rd place.
Former cross Country champion Marinette Flowers led briefly at the start of the race to win a $100 prize from Big Creek group at Safe Tours and 2 gallons of fresh juice in Esperanza Village, but she could not keep up with Shalini, she came in 22 minutes behind the lead trio to win a 4th place trophy from the BCA and a gift certificate.