In a field of 125 starters, outstanding team work earned Guyana two spots on the podium on Monday, Memorial Day, in the United States at the 69th Annual Tour of Somerville in Somerset County, New Jersey.
In the 15 laps Masters 50-plus criterium, former national cyclist James Joelyn Joseph was first, ahead of Lisbon Quintello of Colombia, and following closely was another Guyanese, Olympian Aubrey Gordon. Among the starters were former Junior World Champion (US) Gibby Hatton, current World Points Race Champion Pat Gellieneau, and Jamaican Chris Cheon- Ten.
According to co-ordinator of the Guyana Cycling Association of North America, US-based Victor Rutherford, there was a two-man break with five laps to go and at bell lap the breakaway twosome had about 300 yards on the pack.
Down the backstretch Gordon made his move with Joseph on his wheel. As the leaders turned for home with 500 yards to go, the twosome led by about 75 yards. Calling on his reserves Gordon went into overdrive and caught one cyclist with 200 yards to go. Joseph then made his move and caught the leader, sending the large contingent of Guyanese into a frenzy. Rutherford related that the photo finish saw Gordon just losing out for second place. Rutherford, a former national cyclist and now Gordon’s coach/manager, drove 18 hours from Florida to witness the event and he said “it was worth it.”
Earlier Guyanese Gavin Robinson placed a close second in the Category 2, 20 laps.
Meanwhile, in the Pros and Category 1, Geron Williams, who rides for Continental Cycle Club in Guyana, broke away with three other cyclists but was unfortunate to suffer a mechanical problem. The Tour of Somerville is an annual series of bicycle races held in Somerset County, New Jersey, and is considered the oldest major bicycle race in the United States and a legend in the lore of bicycle racing. The races are held over Memorial Day weekend with the premiere race held on Monday.
