Seventeen determined cyclists braved the heat, wind, and a demanding course Sunday during the Virgin Islands Cycling Federation’s Triple Bypass Road Race.
The 15-mile lap began at the former Milgie’s Convenience Store on Route 624, stretching toward Southgate before climbing the Christiansted Bypass, passing through Beeston Hill to the Cool Out Bar, and returning along Southside Road.
Fresh off a trip to Paraguay where he supported Mikey Dizon-Bumann in the Junior Pan American Games triathlon—and still feeling slightly “under the weather”—Stephen Swanton proved unstoppable in the Elite division. He rode hard for more than 45 miles, pacing with Robin for the first two laps before breaking away solo for the final stretch. Swanton secured first place in 2:17:27, with Robin close behind in second.
The Expert division, the day’s largest field with six riders, stayed tightly packed through the opening lap, clocking 48:55. But a miscue in the pace line on the second lap split the group. Joey Swanson edged Scott Marusa by just one second, winning the 30-mile race in 1:35:54. Jerry Remie surged in the final two miles to claim third.
With fewer riders in the Sport, Masters, and Women’s divisions, all three categories started together. In the Sport class, Joseph Thomas dominated, finishing in 49:01. High school senior Randy Williams placed second, while newcomer Omari Suarez earned third.
The Masters race was tightly contested, with Troy Holloway fending off Ralph Bartlett to win in 49:00. Bartlett, who had not planned to compete that morning, finished second, and James Matthew took third.
In the Women’s race, Enid Francis captured the win in 1:01:52. Judy Gario followed in 1:16:27 to secure second place.
The Virgin Islands Cycling Federation now turns its attention to the VI National Championship weekend, featuring the Championship Time Trial on Saturday, September 13, and the Championship Road Race on Sunday, September 14. For more information, contact 340-643-5050 or vicfsecretary@gmail.com
