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Alexis Ryan (L39ION of Los Angeles) and Bryan Gomez (Miami Nights) claimed the spotlight in the opening round of the 2023 American Criterium Cup on Saturday with victories in the elite women’s and men’s races at the Athens Orthopedic Clinic Twilight Criterium. Ryan and Gomez also take the early leads in the week-long Speed Week criterium series.
The women’s contest came down to a final lap sprint with the sun sinking behind the city hall on East Washington Street, Ryan raising her hands to celebrate with room to spare to second-placed Andrea Cyr (Miami Nights). The Denver Disruptors’ Erica Zaveta took the final podium spot ahead of teammate Leah Kirchmann while Heather Fischer (DNA Pro Cycling) took fifth in the lead group.
Later under the illumination of street lights and glow of marquees from downtown restaurants, bars and the Georgia Theatre, a group of nine men eventually lapped the field to set up an electrifying finish. Three riders struck out in the final push at the line, Gomez defending his 2022 victory, this time with his new Miami Nights team. Danny Summerhill (American Cycling), who rode with Gomez at Best Buddies last season, took second and Robin Carpenter (L39ION of Los Angeles) was third. Finishing another one-second back were Thomas Gibbons (Automatic-ABUS Racing) in fourth and 19-year-old Artem Shmidt (Hagens Berman Axeon) in fifth.
Now in its 43rd year, the Athens Twilight Criterium serves as the first of 10 races in the 2023 American Criterium Cup. Across the year-long points competitions for men and women, the ACC offers a total prize purse of $100,000. Teams and riders are also eligible for an additional $400,000 in prize money and support provided by…
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