At just 15 years old, Ashtan Benitez, a member of the ASCESM club, has already made a name for himself among the young hopes of Caribbean cycling.

Last July, he won the second stage of the Tour of Guadeloupe in the U17 category. Next destination: Canada, where he will continue his training with a new club.

Despite the challenges of island life, Ashtan Benitez has managed to make a name for himself beyond the island. During the Tour of Guadeloupe, his performance contributed to his team's overall victory. A few months earlier, he had already made a name for himself by winning the Guadeloupe championship and the Caribbean vice-championship in the U17 category. Behind these results lies a great deal of hard work. “Over the years, I've trained very hard. I put in as many kilometers and hours as possible on the road,” explains the young cyclist. This demanding training takes place in Saint-Martin, where narrow roads, heavy traffic, and a lack of dedicated infrastructure complicate preparation. One of his coaches is also his father, Édouard Benitez, a former cyclist and a certified coach with the French Cycling Federation. To help his son progress, he regularly organizes trips outside the island so that he can train and run in better conditions: “He is serious and he trains hard”.

Ashtan is also a student at the Centre for Excellence and Education through Sport (CEES), where he was named valedictorian this year for his academic and athletic achievements as well as his conduct. During the ceremony, its director general, Charles-Henri Palvair, described him as “the best that cycling has to offer”.

Off to Canada

Ashtan is now preparing to take the next step. He's moving to Quebec with his mother to continue his schooling and join a cycling club, the name of which has not yet been revealed. He sees this move as "a new beginning" and one that should allow him to continue his development. His goal is clear: "My objective is to become a professional cyclist one day." And, in the back of his mind, he harbors an ultimate dream: to participate in the Tour de France.

Before that, a new challenge awaits him: the Caribbean Junior Road Cycling Championships, from August 22nd to 23rd, for which he will continue his preparation in Canada. A new step towards his dream of turning professional. _DR