A day before the story Memorial Day skies, conditions were picture perfect for the East End Road Race.
Since the Virgin Islands Cycling Federation twice postponed the race due to stormy weather, Sunday’s event drew a smaller-than-usual turnout. The race, beginning in front of Castaways in Estate Solitude, followed the traditional east end loop in a counter-clockwise direction. Organizers removed the segment leading to Point Udall due to deteriorated road conditions near Cramers Park.
Stephen Swanton and Mikey Dizon-Bumann went head-to-head in the 36+ mile Elite race. While riding a new bike, Dizon-Bumann suffered a mechanical issue on lap 2, causing both cyclists to pause for a quick fix. Back in action for lap three, the two traded leads, but Swanton edged ahead in a final surge to the finish, crossing the line just over a minute ahead of Dizon-Bumann.
The Expert race featured a strong start from James Bates, Scott “Moose” Marusa, and Ted Prosper. On lap two, Bates surged ahead as Prosper dropped off, leaving Marusa to claim second. Esther Ellis, the sole female rider in the category, finished fourth overall — a strong showing in a competitive field.
Racers in the Sport, Masters, and Women’s divisions tackled a single 13-mile lap. Guy Augustin took first in 44 minutes and 13 seconds, followed by Joseph Thomas and Julien Baa, who held off Tarik McMillan for third. Sport rider, Randy Williams, age 15, was the only junior rider in the event. Williams posted a respectable time, finishing alongside Joseph Bramble. Ralph Bartlett and Enid Francis claimed victories in the Masters and Women’s divisions, respectively.
The National Guard Road Race, scheduled for Sunday, June 1, has been moved to Airport Rd, near the National Guard Air Force hangar. The course features a 6-mile loop with race distances as follows: Elite – 42 miles, Expert – 24 miles, Sport/Masters/Women – 18 miles
For riders and spectators alike, this past weekend was a powerful reminder of both the sacrifices of fallen heroes and the enduring spirit of community and competition.
