And of course, we should note that all three top riders - all professionals - ride for related teams in the US. And that fraternity was visible in the post race interviews:
Oscar Quiroz, 2023 Cross Country Champion
"You know I dreamt about this moment for many years and I never pictured myself getting first. I know I was always a contender and most people that knew me for many years, I always say I've prepared as much as I could and by the end of the day, I've done my part and of course, I feel it's up to the good Lord when he decides hey it's your turn, it's your turn and it doesn't matter what, if it comes your way, it comes your way. You just don't know when and today he blessed me with one of the best feeling ever in my life in Belize. I don't know what to say, this thing is just crazy."
"One thing that I changed earlier this year was the nutrition part. Again, it never guarantees anything, but I know my teammate Johnny Brown told me that you have to eat very good from very early on be patient and of course if it comes your way, it comes your way. I don't know what happened. I didn't dream about it. From when the break happen, it starts in a process and I have to thank him very much. I have to thank Corey as well Justin. Those guys made sure that the garland stays here in Belize. I am just very appreciative of how these guys support me. They've put me up in the next level. Corey and the guys really gave me the opportunity to believe in myself a bit more here in Belize and outside. From now on I owe it all to them."
Reporter
"Was a discussion had coming into Belize City for you to make the breakaway?"
Oscar Quiroz, 2023 Cross Country Champion
"Not necessarily, we all rode together, we trained 110%. They had spells that I was suffering. You never know who is suffering and who is not, but I said let me try something. I know Corey is a very strong sprinter, so bringing him to the line was going to be a... I mean I am good, but not as good as that guy, but I had to try something. I didn't know if it was going to work. I tried my best and like I said, God gave me that extra power and I am just happy that I could have bring the garland back home."
Corey Williams, Second Place
"Oscar is a really good rider and that's why he's on the Miami Blazers. I knew it was going to be problems, I didn't really feel great today. I was kinda of hoping that he would wait around for the sprint, which I think I could have got him, but he was smart and he just played his cards right."
Reporter
"That sprint, did that catch you by surprise, because I saw you got off your saddle for a little while and then you sat down back like, alright, I probably just go for second place."
Corey Williams, Second Place
"It didn't catch me by surprise. I was feeling bad most of the day and I was kind of cramping at last 50 miles, so I figured once you got up and really go fast enough, I could probably get across. I got caught by him behind."
Reporter
"Now, you were feeling bad, cramped up for the last 50 miles, but how is it that you were still able to maintain your lead among the main pack?"
Corey Williams, Second Place
"Determination. I know how important this race is for the country and I just had to make it to the line."
Jonathan Brown, Third Place
"Coming in, in the heat was a little brutal, but this is probable one of the coolest experiences I've ever had. I've race all around the world and people are so into cycling here and its awesome."
Reporter
"Oscar is your teammate in the US right? Was a discussion had prior to the race about you guys riding in together?"
Jonathan Brown, Third Place
"Well, he was riding for a different team here and he did an amazing tack and he got separation from us and then rode in."
We note that there were no Guatemalan cyclists this year, and less than a handful of Mexicans.
