British cyclist Jim Brown of the Miami Blazers emerged as the 95th Cross Country Champion on Saturday, completing the demanding race at Digi Park in 5 hours, 45 minutes and 40 seconds.
Brown edged out Alfredo Bueno of Legion of Los Angeles, who took second, with Omar Espinosa of Knix and Knax in third. The highest-placed Belizean cyclist crossed the line in fourth.
Brown, who arrived in Belize just days before the race, admitted he was unprepared for Belize’s weather. “Super difficult, to be honest; I’m really not used to this whole weather,” he said. “I was not feeling good at all in the middle part of the race.”
Despite a rough start, Brown said he strategically followed the defending champion and formed a small working group. “That cohesion was not behind, so we just took off, and that was that,” he explained.
When he saw the leading group had opened a three-minute gap, Brown said it was a clear sign he “should have a really good chance” at the win.
The UK-based rider said he trains around 20 hours a week, often in hilly terrain and mixed weather, but stated, “I didn’t know what we were heading for, but I loved it.”