More than 150 cyclists participated in the Meridian/Cuba Challenge cycling competition which was held over the weekend and sponsored by the Meridian Athletic Association.

Riders competed in seven divisions during the two-day event.

The first leg of the competition was held Saturday in downtown Meridian. The competition was called the Criterium. Riders rode hard a certain amount of time, ranging from 30 minutes to an hour. How long depended on the division they were competing in. When the time was up, they rode three more laps to try and move up in the competition.

Sunday’s action was held in Cuba, Ala., and was a road race. Again, the division one was competing determined the distance a rider rode. It ranged from 26 miles to 66 miles.

“This race was licensed by the U.S. Cycling Federation, and was the first event we have had here since 1992,” said Sheriff Billy Sollie, who assisted with the race. “We were going to have one last year but we couldn’t because of the hurricane.”

Jim Brock was the overall winner in the Master’s 45-plus division, followed by David Hyde and Miroslav Novak. Hyde won the Criterium race Saturday while Novak won the road race on Sunday. Brock placed second in both races and Randall Legeai placed third in both races.

Debbie Nilne won both races in the women’s division and was the overall winner, followed by Kelly Dewnes and Beverly Biard.

Mitchell Hughes was the overall winner in the junior division, followed by Andrew Hammond and James Amos. Hammond won Saturday’s race followed by Hughes and Luke Bruno. Hughes placed first in Sunday’s road race, followed by Amos and Chris Hollman.

Jeb Falgouet won both races and was the overall winner in the Category 5 race. Ryan Reed came in second overall and second in the Sunday race while Tom Puckett was third overall and second Saturday’s race. Ryan Reeve finished third in Saturday’s race and Jeff Boswell came in third in Sunday’s action.

Mathew Davis also won both races and was the overall winner in the Category 4 race. Clint Austin was the second place winner overall and in Saturday’s race, and third in the Sunday race. Michael Lackey came in third overall, and placed third in Saturday’s race. Clint Austin place third in Sunday’s race.

Michael Hurley dominated the Masters 35-plus division, placing first in both races. Jar Jurenka followed in second place overall while Michael Fontana placed third.

Eric Murphy was the 1-2-3 division winner, followed by Frank Brevre and Timothy Regan. Murphy won Saturday’s race, followed y Brevre and Regan. John McLauchlin won Sunday’s race, followed by Frank Moak and Regan.