Jim Brown, racing for L39ION of Los Angeles, has done it again. The British cyclist defended his title at the 96th Holy Saturday Cross Country Cycling Classic, Belize’s most storied and celebrated one-day race, claiming back-to-back victories in front of a huge crowd lining the finishing straight.
The race departed at 06:00 from Digi Park in Belize City, following its traditional route along the George Price Highway westward to San Ignacio before the peloton turned back toward the capital. It is a route as familiar to Belizeans as the Easter weekend itself.
Brown, who is just 25 years old, survived early attacks before eventually escaping with Mexican Ignacio Prado and Belizean Jyven Gonzalez to reach the finish together. Brown launched the sprint and held on to power across the line first, a half-bike ahead of Prado with Gonzalez trailing in third.
With an international field of riders from Costa Rica, Guatemala, Mexico, the United States, and Canada lining up alongside local talent, the rich prize list totalled more than $27,000.
Founded in 1928, the Holy Saturday Classic has grown into a cornerstone of Belize’s Easter tradition, recognised as one of the longest-running and most prestigious cycling races in the world. Nearly a century on, it still draws tens of thousands of spectators to roadsides to cheer racers through the oppressive heat and humidity of Central America.
For Brown, this consecutive win cements his place among the Classic’s celebrated champions — and leaves no doubt he will be back to defend again in 2027.
Photo Credit: Facebook/belizecycling
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