Sports
2010 Tour of the Bahamas, International Caliber Cycling Racing Weekend - Jan 23, 24
Jan 23, 2010 - 10:19:31 AM

Nassau, Bahamas - After a hiatus in 2009 due to the cratering of the global economy, now in its 6th edition, the Tour of the Bahamas (ToB) presented by Holowesko Partners is back and ready to kick off the 2010 racing season.    Holowesko Partners also confirms the participation of their GARMIN U-23 Professional Development Team.  “We are very pleased to support such a great event, and to provide our riders with a very competitive environment in January in the sun”, said Mark Holowesko.   The Holowesko Partners Garmin/Felt U23 Team is the development program for the Garmin - Transitions Pro Cycling Team.  Featuring 10 of the most talented and promising riders in a generation, the team is poised for some exciting victories in 2010 in both domestic and international races.

“It is people like Mr. Holowesko, who contribute so much to our sport, that make it possible for an international caliber event to take place in our beautiful island”, said the promoter, Jeff Major of JAR Cycling.

The ToB had a great showing back in 2008, the race had its strongest field ever with members of the Pro Tour squad Garmin Transitions (Formerly  Slipstream Chipotle) including Dave Zabriskie, Christian Vande Velde, Tyler Farrar, Danny Pate and Tom Peterson. And many top domestic pro teams including riders from Toshiba Santo, Kelly Benefit Strategies, Jelly Belly, Rite Aid Pro Cycling Team, VMG Felt, the Holowesko Partners/Felt U23 squad and Florida's own Preferred Alliance, Herbal Life and TREK Racing Team 19.

Slipstream (Now Garmin Transitions) were treating the race as preparation for the Tour of California so they were prepared to ride hard. 

The first stage a 5km TT was won by two-time US TT Champ Dave Zabriskie, with Florida's Frank Travieso 2nd and  Tyler Farrar 3rd.  Florida's own  Masters National Champion Grant Potter took 5th and Slipstreams Christian Vande Velde 7th. 

That same afternoon the second stage; a fast circuit race was aggressive from the gun.  Garmin wanted to stamp their authority on the race but were met in kind by the depth of Florida riders in Toshiba and Herbal Life.  Tyler Farrar took the stage win but Frank Trevisio took the tour lead with his 2nd place on the day to Tyler.

On Sunday, the third stage, a 100 mile road race was fast.  Slipstream was keen to get a good work out that day.  Whenever there was a hint of crosswind, Slipstream was at the front and destroyed the field.  The stage came down to superior tactics.  Christian Vande Velde broke away forcing Frank Travieso and his team to chase hard.  Once caught Tyler Farrar countered and took the stage win and the Tour of Bahamas overall on GC. This was one of Tyler’s first major wins.  “It is a great event to test our fitness as we prepare to race in the world stage” said Tyler Farrar, Slipstream’s Professional Rider.

In addition to a talented pro field and top level racing in 2008, there was strong junior talent at the event due to JAR Cycling's Jeff Major and his  commitment and focus on Junior Development.  Miami Florida Junior riders, Stefan Rivero, Amir Merali & Ramses Ghanem took the top spots on the weekend with Bahamian Jay Major and Tampa Bay Florida's Jacob Hill posting solid results as well.

The Masters riders had strong representation and fierce competition  as did the Women, with Tampa Bay Florida's Sheila Lopez (Herbal Life), now racing for Ride N Roll Cyclery taking the overall win and both Sheila and Elizabeth Morse Hill (Hub Racing)visiting the podium on both days.  In the circuit race on day one, Team 19's Carlos Soler was set up in perfect position coming into the sprint sitting 6th wheel.  "I took Super Dave Osbourne's wheel and knew he could take me to the top.  He blew at 50 meters to go and I took him.  I looked around and didn't see anyone from the Masters", said Carlos Soler.  Soler took first place in the Tour of Bahamas Masters Circuit race day one.  Soler, the fierce competitor that he is made his way to first spot on the podium and second place in the Masters GC on day two as well.

The 2010 event promises more exciting racing in  an “island paradise” setting.  The Tour of Bahamas offers the best of both worlds.  The race offers a chance to get a jump on the 2010 racing season against tough competition.  The beautiful island is a major vacation destination and offers a chance to get the family or a significant other away for fun in the sun at the host hotel, the Wyndham Nassau Resort.  JAR Cycling has planned a fun weekend for racers and family alike.  In addition to the full racing schedule there are social events planned for Friday and Saturday evenings.   

One of the highlights of this trip is the daily ride from the hotel to the courses and back along the ocean, 14 miles each way. The whole group (participants, Pro's, and non-racing riders) ride easy together enjoying the spectacular views and talking smack. This ride continues around the course for non-racing riders while the racers stop and get ready to compete.

Pablo Santa Cruz from Florida Cycling says "It is a special weekend of very hard competition and the best way to test your readiness for the upcoming season"

Barbara Danielson from Florida Velo said "It is not only about the racing but the fun after the races on the island" 

“There is no better place to race and hang around in January with world class professionals”, said Pablo Santa Cruz, Florida Velo’s Team Captain. 

The Tour of the Bahamas is an international caliber cycling event being held for the 6th year in Nassau, Bahamas.  The Omnium style event consists of an Individual Time Trial and Circuit Race on Saturday, and a Road Race on Sunday. JAR Cycling, the premier cycling club and promoter of cycling in the Bahamas, strives to provide a world class event through professional expertise and attention to details. Race operations are managed with state-of-the-art AMB timing and scoring system as well as a professional video system.