Cyclists race at night in Tahiti

Cyclists from across Tahiti gathered at Vairai Park on Friday evening for a night mountain bike race, using front lights to navigate the course despite the rain. The event was organized by the Tahitian Cycling Federation as a major rehearsal for the Pacific Games, which will take place at the same venue in less than a year.

Heiarii Manutahi wins the race

Heiarii Manutahi from Bora Bora won the race alone, completing ten laps in 48 minutes and 58 seconds. He took the lead from the first lap and maintained it throughout, though he acknowledged the challenge of the rainy and muddy conditions.

Pierre Lesy finishes second

Pierre Lesy, who recently competed in the XTerra triathlon World Championships in the United States, finished second with a time of 49 minutes and 27 seconds. He praised the race conditions, comparing them to those in Metropolitan France, and noted that Heiarii Manutahi was stronger on the road despite his own strong performance in technical sections.

Kahiri Endeler completes the podium

Kahiri Endeler from Tamarii Punaruu completed the podium in third place with a time of 52 minutes and 34 seconds. He will be joining Pierre Lesy in a 100 km race in New Zealand soon, along with other teammates.

Other categories included in the event

The event also featured races in different categories, including electrically assisted bicycles (VAE) and women's racing. In the VAE category, Serge Lou from Pirae won with a time of 50 minutes and 49 seconds, while in the women's category, Clémence Dédé from Marara Tri was the only participant and finished with a time of 51 minutes and 16 seconds.

Children’s races and special awards

A young rider, Wayne Hart, joined the event after missing the start of the children’s races and competed against older riders for two laps. In the children’s categories, Mohea Choune won the 9-12 years race, and Teunuarii Saugrain won the 5-6 years race. Romain Leroux won the best-looking bike award for his colorful wheels that illuminated the course.