Sept. 18, 2007 – Like a swallow returning to Capistrano, Robert Bumann again made his annual flight to the top step of the winner's podium, as he won the 2007 Virgin Islands Cycling Championship. Bumann, who was undefeated throughout the entire nine month long season, was uncharacteristically quiet during the 55-mile race, preferring to let the other riders do the bulk of the work, until he exploded away from his three remaining lead group cohorts and won by a bike length over Emmanuel Maldonado and Alex Betancourt, in a time of 2:59:33.
The early, aggressive riding of Glenn Massiah was all for naught on the unseasonably still day, as his two-lap solo effort ended in a flat tire. Mechanicals put out the entire STX 340 team, leaving the riders from Twin City to attempt to handle Bumann. Only John Riggs showed any fight, making a number of attacks, but none stuck, as Bumann always closed the gap. The final verdict was never in doubt as Bumann utilized his power and experience to capture the gold.
In the crash marred 33-mile expert category, Dewayne Smith rode away on the last lap to win handily. Jason Snow returned to competitive racing after a long layoff to get second, and young Jonathan Cruz was third.
James Meyers was rewarded for his consistent yearlong efforts, as he captured the 22-mile sport division, holding off first year rider Apolinar Acevedo and 2005 champ Stanley Ferguson, winning in 1:15:07.
St. Croix Country Day School student, Sissel Holloway, won the 22-mile women's category in her first ever bike race. Country Day Middle School Dean Denise Blanchette was second, and Elizabeth Nurnberger took third.
The 2007 Team Championship was awarded to STX 340, whose season long depth in all three male categories made their repeat win all but a formality.
The next event is the Winner's Time Trial, in which elite riders will attempt to qualify for the Caribbean Cycling Championship that will be held in Martinique in November.
V.I. National Championship
(Sept. 16, 2007……….varied weather)
start/finish – Rust/Opt/Twist
Elite – 55 miles……1……2……3……4……5
1. Robert Bumann: 34:52— 1:09:38— 1:45:04— 2:22:53— 2:59:33
2. Emmanuel Maldo.: 34:52— 1:09:32— 1:45:04— 2:22:53— 2:59:33
3. Alex Betancourt: 34:52— 1:09:38— 1:45:04— 2:22:53— 2:59:34
4. John Riggs: 34:52— 1:09:38 — 1:45:04— 2:22:53— 2:59:35
5. Paul Trivino: 34:52— 1:09:38— 1:45:04— 2:22:58— 3:01:26
6. José Díaz: 34:52— 1:10:43— 1:48:36— 2:29:54— 3:13:20
7. Miguel Cruz: 34:52— 1:10:43— 1:48:36— 2:29:54— 3:13:20—
Juancito Gario: 34:52— 1:09:34— 1:45:04— 2:29:54— DNF
Glenn Massiah: 34:14—- 1:08:43— 1:43:56— DNF
Sue Brown: 34:52— 1:09:38— DNF
Cumber Greaux: 34:52— DNF
Expert – 33 miles…. 1…… 2……3
1. DeWayne Smith: 37:51— neutral— 2:22:32
2. Jason Snow: 37:53— neutral— 2:27:28
3. Jonathan Cruz: 37:51— neutral— 2:31:38
Edwin Cruz: 37:53— DNF
Nelson Rojas: 38:37— DNF
Sport – 22 miles 1……2_______ Women – 22 miles……1……2
1. James Meyers: 37:07 1:15:07 (1). Sissel Holloway: 41:41 1:25:53
2. Apolinar Acevedo: 37:07 1:15:08 (2). Denise Blanchette: 42:26 1:28:44
3. Stanley Ferguson: 37:07 1:15:09 (3). Elizabeth Nurnberger: 43:10 1:32:06
4. Bevern Sage: 37:07 1:15:20 (4). Cheryl Wade: 46:11 1:36:01
5. Luis Cruz: 37:07 1:15:20 (5). Birgit Holloway: 46:54 1:39:34
6. Joseph Thomas: 37:07 1:15:37 (6). Sara Gambee: 41:41 DNF
7. Mervin Mills: 37:07 1:15:48 (7). Amanda Warehime: 50:18 DNF
8. Mark Kennedy: 37:07 1:15:48 (8). Michelle Dizon: DNF
9. Marius Louis: 37:07 1:15:54
10.Todd Nurnberger: 38:17 1:27:25
11.Gary Jett: 40:45 1:29:19
12.Paul Gillette: 46:02 1:35:32
13.Jan Steinberg: 51:00 1:44:50
Ferdi Abraham: 37:01 DNF
Albert Beharry: 38:02 DNF
Today's Team Points
STX340 – 10 points
Twin City – 8 points
Joint Forces – 1 point
Total Team Points
STX340 – 156 points
Twin City – 136 points
Joint Forces – 5 points
