Andrew Vasquez is the winner of the first ever San Pedro Beach Cruiser Baron Bliss Race which took place on Monday March 11th. The race was organized by islanders Kent Gabourel and Charles Garay in an effort to start cycling activities on the island. The event was also planned around the holiday to commemorate National Heroes and Benefactors Day (formerly called Baron Bliss Day). The holiday is officially on March 9th but was observed on March 11th this year.
The race started shortly after 9AM on Monday from the corner of Laguna Drive and Dolphin Street, then headed three miles north to around Grand Caribe Resort and back to the San Juan Statue roundabout in San Pedro Town. The cyclists made the same route three times before ending at the corner of Laguna Drive and Dolphin Street. Spectators lined up on Laguna Drive as the 10 cyclists took off. But it was early during the first lap of the race that a spectator ran across the road just as the cyclists returned, causing at least three cyclists to crash into each other to avoid hitting the pedestrian. Three of the riders sustained physical injuries, when they fell on the pavement, and one was forced to leave the race early due to the injuries.
But even with the accident, the remaining cyclists carried on in an effort to capture the first place prize. First to cross the finish line was Andrew Vasquez who was closely followed behind by Kent Gabourel and Daniel Caliz who settled for second and third respectively. Vasquez took home the bragging rights, along with $300 cash plus other prizes. Gabourel took $200 while Caliz walked away with $100. They both got other prizes sponsored by various businesses on the island.
Other participants were Keith Noralez who placed 4th, Charles Garay came in 5th, Michael Rowland who placed 6th, Anthony Mendez captured 7th, Arden Garay placed 8th and Perry Stain who settled for 9th. All participants received prizes.
According to organizers, they are hoping to have the race annually amongst other cycling events on the island. They are hopeful however, that spectators and motorists will respect cyclists during the race since obstruction during a race can cause serious accidents to the riders. Gabourel took the opportunity to thank all those businesses, organization and people who made the event possible. Congratulation to the organizers and participants for an excellent start of the cycling sports in the island.
Organizers would like to send a huge thank you to sponsors which include: Ramon’s Village, Coral Cable Vision, Mr.Pete Salazar Jr., Pepperonis Pizza, San Pedro Bze Experss, Latitude Café, Moncho’s Rental, Ballers Barber Shop, Seaduced, Garry Grief, Mr. Javier Saldivar, Gaby Nunez, Local Shop, Pelican, Dalias Store, Castillo’s Hardware, Mr. Raul and Wife, The San Pedro Town Council, S.P. Traffic Department, Mrs. Priscilla Requena, Ched, lobo, Logan and Wife, Tackle Box and Grand Belizean Estates – and of course all the athletes and spectators that cheered them on and of course, The San Pedro Sun.
