On Wednesday, about 120 riders set out to complete 500 miles of the Tour of Belize in four days. When it finished on Sunday, only 84 were left. The championship was captured by Chilean Carlos Oyarzan, from Team Tecos, while second went to Argentinean Luciano Santos from Team Santino’s and third overall went to Guy East from the United States Under 23 National Team. So, no Belizean was even in sight of the yellow jersey but yesterday when the race finished in front of M&M’s Engineering on the Northern Highway a cagey veteran still gave the local fans something to cheer about. Our cameras were there.
Jules Vasquez Reporting,
When Ernest Jawmaine Meighan sprinted to cross the line first in front of American rider Chris Barton – it meant that at least a Belizeans could claim to have won one stage of the Tour Of Belize – even if the man who cam in second, had very serious misgivings about his opponent’s victory.
Kwame Scott,
“Coming to the line doing all the work as you did for the last five or six kilometers, and with a guy sitting on your wheel, it almost spells trouble doesn’t it?”
Chris Barton,
“Yeah I just figured that he really didn’t have anything left. I pulled him all the way to the finish and I thought he would be honest but I guess not and I made a mistake and he won.”
He won, and has no apologies; Jawmaine says it’s important for the esteem of Belizean riders.
Ernest Jawmaine Meighan,
“Coming to Belize with all my local guys knowing that I am coming with American riders, I just can’t give in at a stage like that. I had to give my fans a win.”
Jules Vasquez,
How important was it in your mind that a Belizean legitimately or without controversy wins at least one stage?
Ernest Jawmaine Meighan,
“Well that is the next reason because we don’t have any local who won a stage, that’s one of the reasons and with all six stages and without a local rider and I am the only one to win that stage, it at least give the Belizeans a more motivation coming on to Cross Country, so that we have a hope to win a Cross Country. It motivates us to probably win the Cross Country this year. I don’t know if you know, I am going to retire this year so this is my last year. I am going to retire this year, thanks to my sponsor, and this is a big win for me knowing I am going to retire this year.”
And this 36-year-old stage winner is leaving in style, while Jose Choto is representing. He finished 10TH overrall – the top Belizean and is encouraged.
Jules Vasquez,
How important is it that although Belize didn’t do well in this race, you still represented for Belize and you will, by all indications, be recognized as the top Belizean finisher? How important is that for you?
Jose Choto,
“That important for the team, for our team, because we have a small team and we are still fighting hard. I think in Belize we have a lot of talent but it is just that the country needs to look at it more and maybe support cycling a little more and then I think we will be able to get some good champs out of the country.”
And that’s the question, with this level of competition, when will there be a Belizean champion again.
Jules Vasquez,
How soon do you think it will be before a Belizean team, a real Belizean team wins this Tour?
Ernest Jawmaine Meighan,
“Well our only hope is with Marlon. There is no Belizean who really stands a chance of winning this Tour. When Marlon lost by 13 minutes, that’s when we realized Belize is in trouble. The rest of local guys, I think we are just trying to get like a stage win but with Marlon he has everything it takes; pace, he can climb, and he has a good sprint. So with Marlon out of the range of winning this Tour, we already realized Belize is in trouble.”
Jules Vasquez,
You think realistically a Belizean team has a chance of winning this race?
Jose Choto,
“I think if you come together and put like a big selection like the fifteen best guys from the country I think you could win.”
Jules Vasquez,
Having seen the race, what would you say the Belizean teams or the Belizean riders need to someday win this race? From what you’ve seen do you think they need better team organization – training, what do they need to be in position to win this race?
Chris Barton,
“I think they are all pretty strong. A lot of it is just team organization and teamwork and working together with other teams. But the Belizeans are strong riders.”
And it’s clear the disadvantage for Belizeans is not strength, it is strategy.
Roque Rosado,
“Strategy is what beat Belize this year in this Tour, not so much strength but definitely strategy. I think the competition that has come to Belize should have teach our local riders and team managers a lot of things."
Ernest Jawmaine Meighan,
“This kind of race makes you know what races are like outside.”
And that same USA Team says this was just a warm up for their European season.
Chris Barton,
“Really the whole US Team, this is our first race. We are all coming into it for training. Some of us are in better fitness than others so we are just using it to get ready for our European racing.”
“Not that it is UCI, it is a much bigger deal and it is a good thing.”
And for this good thing- Belizeans will have to work harder next year to try and keep the prize and prestige at home.
Jose Choto took home the best Belizean jersey, he finished tenth overall. Two time and defending champion Marlon Castillo finished 26th overall. The overall winner gets a trophy and a cash prize of US$1,000 but like all other winners, he does not collect that prize until after the post race drug test comes back from testing, which can take over a month.
