Joshua Kelly, Elcock first and third in time trial

JOSHUA KELLY has officially arrived.

Local cycling has seen the crowning of a regional champion on home soil after the talented teen became the first Bajan to win the Caribbean Elite Cycling Championships time trial this morning.

Riding from Mile-And-A-Quarter, St Peter to the Normal Niles Roundabout and back, Kelly, 19, successfully completed the 37.6 kilometre course in 50 minutes and 46 seconds – just 25 seconds off Russell Elcock’s national and course record. 

It was a scene of great jubilation for the hosts, as national champ Elcock also copped bronze with a time of 51:13 to finish behind Kelly and Martinique silver medallist Emile Demazy (50:57).

Watched by a sizeable crowd including UCI president Brian Cookston, reigning time trial queen Katheryn Bertine of St Kitts successfully completed a hat-trick of titles by posting a winning time of 35:43 on a 24k course.

Chief Antiguan rival Tamiko Butler had to settle for second place again after clocking 36:42 while Mathilde Batailler (38:55) of Martinique was third. (JM)