The picturesque Charlotte Amalie waterfront set the stage Sunday for the Second Annual Rock City Road Race, presented by the Virgin Islands Cycling Federation and hosted by Left Lane Cyclers VI, a group of avid and competitive St. Thomas cyclists. The event blended fierce competition with camaraderie, music, and refreshments, creating an energetic community atmosphere.
The roughly 6-mile course began on Veteran’s Drive near the police station, heading west to Crown Bay, looping back through the historic district to Yacht Haven, and returning to the start. Its central location offered prime viewing for spectators. Racers from St. Thomas, St. Croix, and Tortola competed across multiple categories.
The small but powerful Elite field featured the 2024 VI National Road Race Champion, the 2024 BVI National Road Race Champion, and the territory’s top Elite female cyclist. Riders tackled eight laps, totaling 48 miles. On lap six, St. Thomas’s Michael Steimle was forced to abandon due to leg cramps from the high pace. In the final lap of the “battle of the champions”, St. Croix’s Stephen Swanton surged past Calvin Smith to take the win, crossing more than a minute ahead. Robin Seila, the sole female in the field, claimed third with a strong, steady ride.
In the Expert category, the pack stayed together in a tight pace line until the sixth and final lap, setting up a dramatic sprint finish. St. Croix’s Ted Prosper edged out St. Thomas’s Thomas Barrows for the win in the 36-mile race. Joey Swanson repeated his third-place finish from last year.
The Sport category brought several newcomers to racing, keeping the outcome uncertain. Tortola’s Von Alphonso took the gold in a nail-biting finish, with St. Thomas chiropractor Tylur Arvidson claiming silver just one second ahead of his wife, Paige, who earned bronze. All seven riders finished within 10 seconds.
In the 18-mile Masters race, two riders dropped off after lap one. St. Thomas’s Howard Jones launched a decisive attack on the final lap to claim the win. St. Croix’s Nelson Rojas narrowly beat St. Thomas’s Michael Lewis for second place.
The women’s field brought the biggest smiles to the start line. From the first lap, Kate Barrows and Annelia Graham pushed the pace, building a two-minute gap by lap two. Barrows powered away in the final lap for a commanding gold, with Graham in silver and St. Croix’s Enid Francis taking bronze.
Special guest Drew Hairston, born in St. Thomas but now living in North Carolina, competed in the Para Cycling division on his hand cycle. A former Marine Captain, Hairston completed two laps representing the Virgin Islands with pride.
Moe’s Fresh Market and Gas Works Inc. sponsored $2,500 in cash prizes for the top three in each category. Additional support came from Westline Productions, Boyd & Son Construction, Layah’s Vista, All Safe Driving School, Taphus Beer House, Bones Band Instrument Services, TSG Cares, Caribbean Food Service, and Chiropractic Connection.
The next race on the VICF calendar is the Triple Bypass Road Race, set for Sunday, August 10, at 7 a.m., starting and finishing in Sally’s Fancy. For more information, call 340-643-5050.
