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World Down Syndrome Day

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C-Ray Cycling Club congratulates Goran and Gabrielle Gabourel

SportsC-Ray Cycling Club congratulates Goran and Gabrielle Gabourel

by Ray “Catt” Cattouse

BELIZE CITY, Thurs. Aug. 11, 2022 The C-Ray Cycling Club extends congratulations to Goran and Gabrielle Gabourel on their spectacular performances in the 2022 Intelligentsia Cup in Chicago, Illinois. Goran competed in the junior male category (15-18 years) placing 4th overall, and Gabrielle competed in the junior women’s category (15-18 years) placing 5th overall.


The 2022 Intelligentsia Cup was their first experience in criterium racing. Lacking any training in this highly technical form of racing, they took on the challenge to further their development in the sport. Their results are truly commendable as they competed among some of the best cyclists in the US.


Goran was forced to abandon his race on Day 2 of the event because of a broken derailleur on his bike due to a crash that resulted from torrential rainfall and an extremely slippery course on Day 2. However, he picked up two impressive finishes on Day 3 and Day 8, podiuming 3rd on both days. He also had impressive 4th place finishes on Day 1 and Day 6. Heading into Day 9 of the event, Goran ranked 4th overall. Unfortunately, he clipped his wheel on the last turn heading into the sprint in the final lap and almost suffered a fall which forced him to free wheel to avert a crash. Later that day he went on to challenge himself in the Cat 3 race and went down in a spill that happened in front of him. Due to a badly swollen and painful wrist, he was unable to compete on the last day of the race, Day 10, but managed to secure 4th place overall in the 10-day event.

Gabrielle had equally impressive results, placing 3rd on Day 3 on one of the most technical courses, and she wrapped up Day 5 with a spectacular finish, placing 2nd. Unfortunately, on Day 9, ranking 3rd overall in the competition, Gabrielle suffered a massive fall as a cyclist lost control on a turn and crashed into her, knocking her off her bike. Despite her violent fall, Gabrielle finished the race. Several injuries which included a mild concussion prevented her from competing on the last day of the race. In spite of these setbacks, Gabrielle remarkably finished the event in 5th place overall.


The Intelligentsia Cup was beneficial and rewarding for both athletes. The tremendous exposure that they acquired served not only to further their growth, but also to measure their competence to excel on other platforms outside Belize, the Caribbean and Mexico where their performances have also been exceptional.

It is with tremendous gratitude that we thank and acknowledge our sponsors for teaming up to provide Goran and Gabrielle with the opportunity to compete in the 2022 Intelligentsia Cup. Your solicitous contribution to assist two dedicated junior cyclists achieve their goals is concrete proof of your commitment to helping our young people develop their talents which is one of the best ways of giving back to the community.

Our sponsors include: The Minister of Youth, Sports & E-governance – Hon. Rodwell Ferguson; The Minister of Tourism and Diaspora Relations – Hon. Anthony Mahler; Dion Leslie – Leslie’s Imports; Buca Puma Belmopan; AJ’s Group International; Best Care Pharmacy; Michael Cattouse (Chicago, USA); Arlen Cadle (Chicago, USA); John Harris (Chicago, USA); Feliciano Gill (Chicago, USA); Paul Trejo (Chicago, USA); Syd Williams; LA Sweat/ Kaya Cattouse; Insurance Center of Belize; Chon Saan Palace.

Everyone who joined the live stream and cheered them on, or have supported them in any way: Thank you!

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