Tahiti event supports breast cancer awareness

A time trial event held on the east coast of Tahiti on Saturday as part of the October Rose campaign, which raises awareness about breast cancer screening, saw 26 riders, including six women, participate. The event, organized by the Tahitian Cycling Federation (FTC), was themed around sport, sharing, and solidarity, and involved a 28-kilometer time trial between Maheana and Papeno’o in a round trip.

Women’s participation highlights event’s mission

Thirteen teams started the event, including a team composed exclusively of women made up of Julie Bruyère and Catherine Casasnovas. Other women present included Adelaïde Treujou, Kylie Crawford, Marta Slosarska, and Vaite Bonhoure, who participated in the mixed category. Julie Bruyère noted that the event was highly meaningful for the participants, stating that it was what motivated them during their training.

Weather challenges riders at start

The event started at 3 p.m. with a heavy downpour, but the rain eventually subsided, allowing the riders to move safely on a wet but manageable road. The wind helped the riders on the outbound portion by pushing them from behind but slowed them down on the return by blowing in their faces.

Top teams finish with strong performances

Kahiri Endeler and Heiarii Manutahi rode strongly, achieving the best time of the day in 34 minutes 10 seconds at an average speed of more than 45 km/h. Mehdi Gabrillargues and Gwenvael Ronsin-Hardy took second place, 38 seconds behind the winners. The mixed team of Adelaïde Treujou and Gilles Venet signed the third scratch time in 38 minutes 19 seconds.

Event honors women and supports cause

Kahiri Endeler noted that the team covered the distance at an average speed of nearly 46 km/h with a good wind. He mentioned that staying in shape after the Tour Tahiti Nui, which was their main goal this season, was not easy, but they wanted to honor the women to support the cause of October Rose. The prize-giving ceremony allowed all participants to be rewarded, with the women receiving a special prize.

Cycling season concludes with plans for mountain biking

The Gentlemanwoman event concluded the road season, with mountain biking taking over in the coming weeks. The Vairai Park will host a night event on Friday evening. Eight riders from Fenua will leave the next day heading to New Zealand to participate in the Wakha, a mountain bike race organized over two days with a 50-kilometer course on Saturday and 100 kilometers on Sunday.