Five Kauaians joined an international field of cyclists for the annual “Cycle to the Sun,” a 36-mile extreme bike race to the top of Maui’s Haleakala summit (10,005 feet), one of the steepest roads on earth. The race began at
Five Kauaians joined an international field of cyclists for the annual “Cycle to the Sun,” a 36-mile extreme bike race to the top of Maui’s Haleakala summit (10,005 feet), one of the steepest roads on earth.
The race began at 7 a.m. from the sleepy coastal town of Paia. From there, racers had the choice of four finish elevations. Just conquering the summit was the goal of a majority of riders.
Ray Brust of Oahu reached the summit first in 2 hours, 50 minutes and 8 seconds. This was the second time Brust won the event in as many years.
Kaua’i riders, sponsored by Kaua’i Cycle and Tour, included Leo McCarthy, Greg Fleming, Danny Ranieri, Daniel Valesco and Jason Barth.
McCarthy came in third overall behind Brust. He finished in 3 hours, 8 minutes and 7 seconds.
Fleming hammered the top in the time of 3 hours, 42 minutes and 1 second, placing him 14th overall.
Ranieri was 25th, finishing in the time of 3 hours, 59 minutes, 24 seconds.
In 27th place was Valesco, who finished with a time of 4 hours, 3 minutes.
Barth finished the climb in 38th place – 4 hours, 32 minutes, 17 seconds.
“Cycle to the Sun” is one of two annual fundraisers for Ka Lima O Maui (Helping Hands of Maui). Ka Lima O Maui serves adults who are physically, emotionally or economically disadvantaged.
