Cutting tuning up in Anguilla ahead of John T Memorial Race weekend

Young Guyanese cyclist Ajani Cutting (Kaieteur Attack Racing Cycle Club) is making final preparations in Anguilla ahead of this weekend’s 25th Annual John T Memorial Race weekend, set for July 3 to 5 in The Valley.
Cutting, who will represent his club and nation in one of Anguilla’s biggest cycling events, said he has been adjusting to the conditions on the island, with the heat expected to be one of the major factors during the races.
Speaking to Guyana Times Sport ahead of the event, Cutting described the conditions as challenging but manageable.
“There is real brutal sun over here, dangerous, but nothing I can’t handle,” Cutting said.
The Guyanese cyclist added that acclimatisation has been an important part of his build-up since arriving in Anguilla.
“While there is a different altitude to adjust to, I am making the necessary preparations, and I’m tuning up for this weekend,” he noted.
The event is organised by the Anguilla Cycling Association and will feature a 2.4-kilometre (km) criterium loop, along with three major road race routes. Route One will cover 142.8km with an elevation gain of 1112 metres (m), while Route Two will cover 100km with 794m of climbing. Route Three will cover 60.5km with an elevation gain of 485m.
Cutting said the course is mainly flat, but riders will still have to deal with a testing section.
“The terrain is mainly flat, but there is a point along the race route where there is a quite high hill with around an 18 per cent gradient with other rolling hills,” he said.
Without his teammates on the trip, Cutting said he has been focusing on preparation that can help him manage both the race and the conditions. He said his work has included studying previous races and adjusting his nutrition.
Cutting explained, “Well, since I don’t have my teammates, I am working solely on watching previous races and just increasing the intake of sodium so I don’t get fatigued by the sun.”
The condition of the roads is also expected to be another challenge. Cutting said the uneven surface could make the race more difficult, especially over long distances.
Despite those challenges, Cutting said his main focus will be on positioning during the race. He noted that reducing unnecessary energy use will be important, regardless of the terrain.
The cyclist admitted, “Honestly, I’m working on positioning within the race, because regardless of the terrain, it all comes down to how well I’m positioned to reduce energy wastage.”
Cutting also said road racing remains his preferred event, even though he continues to work on improving in the Individual Time Trial (ITT).
“I prefer road racing. Even though I know I am strong, I have challenges with ITT at this point, but with the proper preparation, I can definitely execute,” he said.
The John T Memorial Race Weekend will bring together cyclists for three days of competition, with Cutting aiming to make a strong showing for Guyana in Anguilla.