Bermuda’s Gabriella Arnold wins 35th PUMA Cross Country Cycling Classic

By William Ysaguirre (Freelance Writer)

BELIZE CITY, Wed. Apr. 1, 2026

   Gabriella Arnold of Bermuda set a new record of 3:03:15 when she won the 35th annual PUMA Women’s Cross Country Cycling Classic, a 71.5-mile ride from San Ignacio to Belize City on Sunday morning, March 29. The previous record of 3:07:29 was set by Mexican Brenda Aguayo on May 13, 2007.

   Gabriella Arnold’s record time of 3:03:15 won her the $3,000 first prize, the champion’s garland of roses, a trophy, and a gift package from San Cas Ltd.

   Placing second was Mariana Valadez Ortiz of Mexico, who rode in 9 minutes later (3:12:38), to win the $1,500 2nd prize, a trophy, and a gift package from San Cas Ltd.

   Kaya Cattouse of Team Loans-2-Go was third place, and received a $1,000 prize, a trophy, and a gift package from San Cas Ltd. As the 1st Masters rider, Kaya also won a $500 prize, a trophy, and a gift package.

   The 4th place cyclist was Patricia Chavarria of the Chavarria Cycling Club, who clocked 3:29:58 to win $500, a trophy, and a gift package.

   The 5th place prize was received by Kadisha Francis of Team Imani’s, who completed the race in 3:43:05 to win $300, a trophy, and a gift bag from San Cas Ltd.

   The 6th cyclist to complete the race was Irene Baki of Team William’s Racing Development, who was the 1st Junior rider to reach the finish line in 3:43:05. She won the $500 Junior 1st prize, a trophy, and a gift bag from San Cas Ltd.

   Securing the 7th place spot was Lianni Choto of Troyer Treats, who was the 2nd Junior rider, completing the race in 3:43:05. She won $300, a medal, and a gift bag from San Cas Ltd.

   The 8th place was claimed by Nathalie Lovell of Team Lovell, the 6th elite rider, who finished in 3:43:05.

   And placing 9th was Kelsi Castillo, who rode unattached, and clocked 4:07:40, to win a $200 prize as the 3rd Junior rider, a medal, and a gift bag from San Cas Ltd.

   Mariana Valadez won the first station prize (a gift package) in Esperanza Village, before Gaby Arnold swept all the remaining station prizes to haul in over $5,900 and several gift packages.