The Story of This Year's Race
The Holy Saturday Cross Country Cycling Classic - by now we all know that Belizean rider Oscar Quiroz won it - and another Belizean Corey Williams was second.
But, what really happened out there on the road - what were all the story lines? In our annual tradition, we have the full pedal stroke by pedal stroke breakdown with Kwame Scott on the mic, and Codie Norales on the back of the motorbike. Here's the entire story:
At the start of the 93rd riding of the longest running cycling event in the Western Hemisphere - three past champions are called to the forefront, these are from left to right, William Elliston 2005 champion, Justin Williams, 2105 and 2018 champion and Giovanni Choto 2012 champion.
The riders move off from Digi Park for the lead out which is a ceremonial ride through some of the principal streets of Belize City, giving spectators, onlookers and fans a view of the riders not at race speed. In this year's race, there are 111 starters which includes some 99 Belizeans, 11 Americans and 1 Mexican.
According to the weather forecast this day would be seasonably warm (we would prefer hot and hazy) providing a tailwind on the outward journey and very strong southeast head and crosswinds on the return journey.
At the start of the race at Leslie's Imports, young Eric Trapp of Westrac Alliance launches an early attack.
He's followed very closely by Sherwin Roca of Team Furnish Appliance Limited.
Together they create an early separation and win the first couple station sizes easily.
A short while after, American Rider riding for Team Kelly Benefits joins them, making the lead breakaway 3 strong.
Around mile 3, the lead trio of Trapp, Roca and Macdonald are trying to extend their lead - at this early stage of the race they are clocking in excess of 30 miles per hour.
Around mile 5, the peloton is attacking - all the favorites warming up their legs, others hanging on for dear life - let's take a look and listen to the sights and sounds.
As we approach mile 7, Sherwin Roca has been dropped, so what was a 3 man lead is now down to 2, featuring American Ian Macdonald and Belize's very own, Eric Trapp
In the early morning, although the race is very young, this journey of 140 miles will require lots of fuel and refueling and so Eric Trapp sees it fit to devour a banana.
Around mile 12, the lead duo continues in their quest, latest reports say they are some 37 seconds in front.
Somewhere around mile 13, the lead duo have been joined by two time cross country champion, Belizean American Justin Williams of Team Legion.
At Hattieville, Macdonald steals the station prize, and Eric Trapp is not happy - let's see how this one is gonna play out.
As we exit Hattieville, the main peloton is still searching for a definition and the attacks are relentless
As we head towards mile 19, the lead trio have now been joined by Henry Lee Rolling Shottaz/ BZ Boys so the breakaway is now four strong, which includes American Ian Macdonald, Westrac's Eric Trapp, Team Legion's Justin Williams, and Team Shottaz' Henry Lee.
Eric Trapp take the prize at Rockville rounding the curve at Rockville, some 47 seconds behind the chase does not have a definitive face, but the chase is on.
As we approach mile 26 the breakaway of four continues to work as a cohesive unit, Henry Lee, Eric Trapp, Ian Macdonald and Justin Williams all taking turns at the head of the pace line the latest time check, 43 seconds.
At La Democracia junction, the harmonious sounds of the brass section set the tone for the spectacle coming down the road.
As the riders come into view, the same four continue to maintain a very small lead over the peloton.
Somewhere around mile 33, with Big Bad John De Long leading the chase, they have finally caught up with the early escapees, so the entire peloton is now back together again and the attacks and counter attacks continue.
Around mile 36 the attacks and counter attacks are relentless as the battle is on to make ace defining moves.
As we approach mile 37, American Johnathan Brown of the Miami Blazers is making it very difficult for those trying to recover - he is followed very closely by Henry Lee, Jarvin Gonzalez and Ian Macdonald.
As we approach mile 39, Jonathan Brown, Ian Macdonald and Justin and Corey Williams are tying to separate themselves, however, Oscar Quiroz of 501 Valvoline is trying to catch up to them.
Meanwhile for those in the peloton who realize it's now or never, they are trying to make that move - and in so doing the tempo is up, up so high that the group of riders stretches in one long, long, long, line…whoa!
Around mile 41, the breakaway is 5 men strong and they are working and rolling like a well oiled machine featuring the Williams brothers of Team lLegion of Los Angeles, Ian Macdonald from North Carolina of Team Kelly Benefits, Oscar Quiroz Jr. of team 501 Valvoline and Johnathan brown of the Miami Blazers
At mile 42 Johnathan Brown and Ian Macdonald are seen sprinting for a prize, not a very good sign for a race that still has about 100 miles remaining - meanwhile Oscar Quiroz and the Williams brothers seem keen and intent on expanding the time gap. Let's just take a look at how these riders, all professionals, share the pace line:
Johnathan Brown comes off the pace, Corey Williams takes over establishing the unity in the group.
But this rhythm was disrupted a few minutes later when Justin Williams - for some unknown reason - runs off the highway
The incident has now become consequential because the lead breakaway which was 5 is now down to four, there is no more Justin Williams but the lead four marches on.
At Roaring Creek, the cycling fanatics display just how deep their love for the sport is, clearing the highway of debris.
As the lead riders come into view, it is still the same four riders out front: Jonathan Brown, Oscar Quiroz, Corey Williams and Ian Macdonald.
Some two minutes later, the chase is being led by young Goran Gabourel and Derek "Baby Chav" Chavaria.
Rolling through the beautiful village of Teakettle, the lead 4 remain intact, working, rolling along through the inclines.
Approaching Brick Wall or Dead Man's Curve, the lead four are still together, word is that they are now still some 2 minutes ahead of the chase.
On top of the infamous Mount Hope, Ian Macdonald out-sprints Jonathan Brown for the thousand dollars donated by Belize Tourism Board, an AC Unit from Mirage and two gift packages from Wine Smith
Some two minutes later the chase is being led by young Jaslyn Chavarria followed by Mexican Osvaldo Mora, Giovanni Lovell and Jarvin Gonzalez
At Central Farm, a chase group of 6 riders are trying to organize themselves, these include G Flow's Jarvin Gonzalez, Team Fal's Derek and Joslyn Chavarria Jr, Westrac's Angel Tzib aka Chelo and Mexican Osvaldo Mora
As we head towards Esperanza, fans line every inch of the highway, cheering on the leaders as they head towards the halfway point.
Heading into Cayo, along Loma Luz Boulevard, the four leaders remain committed to sharing the pace line while the fans cheer them on.
As the leaders head out of San Ignacio, Ian Macdonald seems to be testing their legs - but that's the last we'll see of him with the lead group - he had a mechanical right after this.
Some 3 minutes later the chase group of 6 led by Mexican Osvaldo Mora comes into view as they exit San Ignacio
A minute later, the main peloton comes across the Hawkesworth led by Justin Williams.
Coming out of Cayo, as we head towards Belize City, we caught up wt American rider Ian Macdonald who had fallen victim to mechanical difficulties,
So the breakaway is now down to 3, Corey Williams, Oscar Quiroz and Jonathan Brown.
Rolling through Blackman Eddie, the lead trio have extended their lead to some four plus minutes: Jonathan Brown, Corey Williams and Oscar Quiroz are looking more and more like the winner will come from this group.
Heading around Brick Wall on the return no new wrinkle to report, the breakaway remains 3 men strong,
Four plus minutes later the chase group that was 6 has been caught by a group of 9 which includes Americans John Delong, Bill Elliston, Patrick Raines, and Cyrus Piaro.
Around Teakettle, the chase group of 15 is being led by Cyrus Piaro and Patrick Raines but they seem to be gaining not much ground on the breakaway.
At Jaguar Paw entrance, the breakaway of 3 continues to march on.
Four plus minutes later, and 3 guys less, the chase group led by John DeLong is gaining no ground.
Around mile 27, the lead trio continue to streak on, Corey Williams is Belizean American rides for Team Legion, Jonathan Brown is an American hailing from Florida who rides for team Miami Blazers, Oscar Quiroz is a born Belizean riding for Team 501 Valvoline, bronze medalist at the 2021 Caribbean Elite Championships, national time trial champion of Belize, 2021, and 2020 KREM New YEar's Day cycling champion.
Meanwhile at the front of the race, the status quo remains, in fact, the only exciting thing is the fanfare of the horn section in the front.
At Hattieville, American Johnathan Brown easily takes that station prize of two hundred dollars donated by Jenkins Funeral Home.
Some 5 minutes later, Americans Patrick Raines and John DeLong are trying to make a move from the chase group led by Cyrus Piaro and Derek Chvaarria.
As we approach mile 11, the breakaway trio are taking on refreshments as servicing closes at mile 8.
Passing old Belize and after 130 miles of racing we are starting to see signs of wear and tear on the three leaders, however with a 5 minute gap, it's a foregone conclusion that today's winner will emerge form his group of 3 who are actually like an extended family.
So, if we are to make predictions one would suggest that Corey Williams is the best sprinter in this group of 3, Oscar Quiroz is a pretty decent sprinter, but not in Corey's category, while not much is known of Jonathan Brow we know he is a primarily a circuit rider for the Miami Blazers and might be serving more as a domestique in this group.
Somewhere around mile 3, Oscar Quiroz of 501 Valvoline decided he wasn't going to take any chances of waiting for a final sprint to the finish line, so he launched an attack which was more like a torpedo to test the other two guys. And, guess, what? There wasn't much response.
At the Faber's Road roundabout Oscar Quiroz had all the appearances of streaking to the finish line solo like the man on the polo - this would be his first ever Cross Country victory - aligned from the western municipality of San Ignacio, a very humble and dedicated 28 year old young man.
Rolling down Central American Boulevard, Belizean rider O to the Q streaks along on the swells of applause from the sidewalk.
Heading unto Princess Margaret Drive, a sprinkle of water in appreciation for his Herculean effort.
And at the finish line, it's all cheers from the fans as Quiroz gives thanks, crossing the line in solo fashion in a time of 5 hours 43 minutes and 23 seconds.
Over a minute later Corey Williams pulls up next to secure second place, followed by Jonathan Brown.
How The Race Was Won
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.
Channel 7
AmbergrisCaye.com 
Cycling fans are waiting patiently for the annual Holy Saturday Cross Country Cycling Classic. It's a one day sporting event that is the most highly anticipated event for the Easter holiday.
"I think the whole nation is looking forward to it. It is, um, also we'll have a lot of foreign competition on Saturday, so the local boys will definitely be tested. We have, uh, I think at least 15 foreign riders, good high quality foreign riders in the race. And just, uh, as a matter of reference, last year we had only six. And so it'll be a step up in, um, competition, the same level, but more this year. And so, but our boys have also reached a higher level this year. So the locals, the local racers are, you know, our Belizeans are racing better than they did last year, so, hopefully they are up to the challenge."
