The race for glory in 34th Annual Puma Women’s Cross Country Cycling Classic

Posted: Saturday, April 12, 2025. 4:32 pm CST.

Swiss-born Francine Gigli, center, and Gabrielle Lovell, right, of the Lovell Cycling Team will be competing on Sunday in the 34^th Annual Puma Women’s Cross Country Cycling Classic. Gigli won the Alfred Parks Memorial Race in February, with Lovell finishing second. Photo Credit: Lovell Cycling Team

By Rubén Morales Iglesias: A new champion will emerge in the 34^th Annual Puma Women’s Cross Country Cycling Classic on Sunday, April 13, 2025. With American Regina Doty, last year’s winner, out of contention, riders must seize the moment and etch their names into Belize’s cycling history.

Wide-Open Battle for Victory

While the title is up for grabs, Kaya Cattouse, a three-time champion (2012, 2016, 2019), has opted out after the Cycling Federation of Belize (CFB) allowed junior riders to compete. Cattouse contends that the decision is an exploitation tactic by the CFB to boost numbers for sponsorship purposes. She argues that it is not beneficial for youth riders to compete in a race double the usual distance.

The CFB denied the allegations.

A fierce competitor and strategic racer, the three-time winner will undoubtedly be missed on race day.

The Participants: A Field of Determined Contenders

With a new champion guaranteed, the race features a competitive lineup of cyclists eager to claim the prestigious title. Among the participants are:

Francine Gigli (Lovell Cycling Team, Switzerland – Elite)
Gabrielle Lovell (Lovell Cycling Team, Belize – Masters)
Gina Lovell (Lovell Cycling Team, Belize – Masters)
Nathalie Lovell (Lovell Cycling Team, Belize – Elite)
Celina Baldera (Imani Cycling Team, Belize – U23)
Chelsy Gillett (Imani Cycling Team Belize – Junior)
Irene Baki (Williams Racing Development (WRD) – Junior)
Lianni Choto (Troyer Treats Cycling Team, Belize – Youth)
Norma Nunez (Chain Reaction Belize, Belize – Masters)
Jade Stevens (Major Motion Racing LLC, United States – Masters)

These riders represent a mix of seasoned champions and emerging talents, with the Juniors categories bringing additional depth to the competition.

2025 Krem Classic Junior winners, (L-R) 3rd Chelsy Gillett, 1st Irene Baki, and 3rd Lianni Choto, will be competing in the 34^th Annual Puma Women’s Cross Country Cycling Classic on Sunday, April 13, 2025. Photo Credit: CFB

The Course, The Challenge, The Glory

The race will span 73 intense miles, testing endurance, strategy, and resilience. It will begin at 8:00 am on Sunday, April 13, at Columbus Park in San Ignacio and head toward Digi Park on Barrack Road in Belize City. Riders will battle for positioning, launch attacks, and chase breakaways that could determine their fate.

History in the Making

Since its inception, the Women’s Cross Country Cycling Classic has been a beacon of determination and athletic excellence. This year, with a new champion guaranteed, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Who will seize the title, stand on the podium, and write the next chapter of Belizean cycling history?

The race is set, the path to victory is open, and a champion is about to rise.

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