Breaking Away: Rhim, Arreola Win Tucson Bicycle Classic

TUCSON, Arizona — The 36th annual Tucson Bicycle Classic, a hallmark event in the cycling calendar, unfolded with an electrifying mix of anticipation and unexpected outcomes that captivated fans and athletes alike. Nestled in the heart of greater Tucson, this prestigious race not only displayed the scenic beauty of the region but also served as a battleground for both seasoned professionals and rising stars in the cycling world. 

With a lineup that included top-tier pro women’s and men’s teams, alongside notable influencers and cycling aficionados, the event promised a thrilling spectacle of endurance, strategy, and raw speed. From the inaugural race in Marana to the challenging circuits of Sahuarita and Oro Valley, each stage was meticulously designed to test the mettle of the competitors, setting the stage for a series of stunning victories and shocking surprises that would be etched in the annals of the Tucson Bicycle Classic history.

This year’s classic attracted an unprecedented 601 riders, showcasing a significant uptick in participation and underscoring the event’s growing appeal across the nation and beyond. Cyclists from every corner of the country and the world converged on Tucson, bringing with them a blend of styles, strategies, and aspirations, making this edition one of the most diverse and vibrant in recent memory.

Moreover, the Tucson Bicycle Classic continued its commendable commitment to fostering new talent, particularly among women cyclists. For the third consecutive year, the event featured a Women’s New Racer Program, spearheaded by former professional cyclist Lauren Hall. This initiative is a testament to the series’ dedicated efforts to lower the barriers to entry for women in competitive cycling. The positive impact of this program is evident in the notable increases in women’s field sizes over the past three years, a trend that not only enriches the competition but also contributes to the sport’s overall growth and accessibility.

Day 1 – Marana Time Trial 

The 36th Tucson Bicycle Classic kicked off with an inaugural event that would set a high bar for the days to follow: the Marana Time Trial. This year marked a significant first for the classic, introducing a race in Marana, a small yet innovative suburb of Tucson. Known for its forward-thinking community, Marana eagerly embraced its role as host, displaying its commitment to excellence with a meticulously prepared course that left no detail to chance.

The time trial, a true test of individual prowess, featured a short, flat, 8km out-and-back route that demanded both strategic pacing and raw power. Competitors faced the challenge of balancing their energy throughout the race, aiming to maintain a blistering pace without succumbing to the fatigue that could jeopardize their overall standing in the opening stage of the competition.

Emerging as the day’s standout, Brendan Rhim of Project Echelon delivered an extraordinary performance that left spectators and competitors alike in awe. Clocking an impressive time of 8:56, Rhim not only clinched the fastest time of the day but also established a formidable 6-second lead over Troy Fields of Team California. This early advantage set the tone for Rhim’s campaign in the Classic, positioning him as the rider to watch in the ensuing stages.

The women’s W1/2 race was equally gripping, with a nail-biting finish that underscored the depth of talent in the field. Marlies Mejias of Virginia Blue Ridge TWENTY24 and Alia Shafi of Fount Cycling Guild engaged in a fierce duel that came down to milliseconds, highlighting the competitive spirit and exceptional skill of the women’s pro teams. Mejias’ razor-thin victory not only earned her the stage win but also set up a tantalizing narrative for the battle for the General Classification.

The day’s events in Marana encapsulated the essence of time-trialing, where every second counts and every pedal stroke can make the difference between triumph and defeat. As competitors pushed themselves to the limit against the backdrop of Marana’s innovative landscape, the Tucson Bicycle Classic affirmed its reputation as a premiere event in the cycling calendar, setting up dramatic narratives and rivalries that would unfold in the days to come.

Day 2 – Sahuarita Road Race

It’s not every day that one witnesses a major shake-up so early in a competition, but Day 2 of the TBC was nothing short of astonishing, filled with unexpected turns and thrilling upsets.

The Sahuarita Road Race is a 33km loop with roughly 1,000 feet of climbing per lap, including a solid, sustained climb, rollers, flats, and a rapid descent. Riders repeat this loop a number of times, depending on their category. The pro fields complete a total of 4 laps (132km or 82 miles). 

The first wave saw the P/1/2 men’s category take center stage, and from the get-go, it was evident that the battle would be fiercely contested. Following the prior day’s time trial, a three-way fight for the General Classification (GC) had emerged, with Brendan Rhim from Project Echelon holding a narrow lead. Close on his heels were Troy Fields from Team California, trailing by just six seconds, and Josh Lebo from CS Velo Racing, only a second further back. The anticipation was palpable, as all three teams braced themselves for a challenging day.

True to their word, the day’s racing was intense. Time bonuses available at the end of laps 1 and 3 spurred an early breakaway, orchestrated by CS Velo and Automatic Abus. This move quickly drew in all the top contenders, setting the stage for a high-stakes showdown. By the third lap, the leading group had carved out a significant advantage, prompting Project Echelon to spearhead the effort to hold the gap, aiming to position Laurent Gervais for a sprint victory and, potentially, the GC lead.

The breakaway managed to maintain a sizable lead, allowing Kellen Caldwell of Team California to clinch the stage win and dramatically alter the GC standings. Patrick Welch, representing Above and Beyond Cancer, was now hot on Caldwell’s heels, trailing by a mere second heading into the final day. Garin Kelley, also from Team California, remained in contention, sitting 15 seconds behind in third place.

If the men’s race was the appetizer, then the p/1/2 women’s race was the main course, delivering an insane upset. Spectators were left in awe as GC leader Marlies Mejias powered through to snatch the lap 1 sprint points. This set the stage for her Virginia’s Blue Ridge TWENTY24 teammate Sofia Arreola to launch a daring attack. She was quickly joined by a select group of riders, and together, they managed to outpace the Master’s Men 50+, extending their lead with every lap. By the race’s end, this formidable group had established a staggering 10-minute gap over the peloton. Arreola, a Tucson local, dazzled the home crowd with her sprinting prowess, securing a victory for her team, with Alia Shafi of Fount Cycling Guild closely following her into the final day’s showdown.

Day 3 – Oro Valley Circuit Race p/b Rutledge Dental 

TBC returned to Oro Valley for the second year in a row to cap off the series final day on a slightly technical, challenging final course. Witnessing the community come alive, with residents and spectators lining the course, cowbells in hand, and cheering on the riders, infused the event with unparalleled energy.

The course is just over 4 miles in length, and there is almost no flat surface. It is technically demanding, with a daunting downhill leading into the final turn, offering a unique challenge that can either thwart breakaway attempts or reward those with the audacity and skill to tackle it head-on (i.e.: crit racers). 

Day 3 of any stage race – and TBC is no exception – can be a bit interesting. Some races are completely locked in by day 3, while others are wide open and primed for a shakeup. For those that are locked in, spectators are treated to fantastic sprint finishes as riders push for a stage win, abandoning hope of a GC grab. 

In the W1/2 category, Sofia Arreola entered the day with a commanding lead in the General Classification, a testament to her formidable breakaway on Day 2. Although a major shake-up seemed unlikely, the anticipation for a riveting sprint finish was high. Team TWENTY24 made it clear from the outset they had two goals: protect Sofia’s GC lead and force the race to come down to a sprint so Mejias could grab a stage win. 

The teamwork displayed by TWENTY24 was textbook perfection, as they masterfully controlled the race to prevent any successful breakaways, setting the stage for a mass sprint to the finish. Marlies Mejias rose to the occasion, clinching a stage win, while Sofia Arreola secured her victory in the General Classification.

The M1/2 race was aggressive from the moment riders exited the neutral zone. The race was incredibly tight going into day 3, and truly anyone’s game. Project Echelon, Team California, CS Velo and Automatic Abus launched nonstop attacks as they jockeyed for domination and intermediate sprint points. Every lap riders were shelled out the back and our field of 130 was quickly whittled down to roughly half that. 

With 4 laps to go, Project Echelon’s Laurent Gervais (who sat 12 seconds off GC), and Brendan Rhim launched out of the intermediate sprint into a breakaway. They managed to stay away and together for about 2 laps until Laurent dropped back into the pack. Brendan – who had held GC leader going into day 2 and tragically lost it – soloed away, slowly gaining on the chase. With time bonuses and intermediate sprint points, he needed to hold 25 seconds on the group to lock in GC. 

Legendary announcer Brad Sohner came in clutch, narrating the unfolding drama. The crowd erupted as Rhim emerged around the final corner, a solitary figure pushing against the odds to cross the finish line in a triumphant solo victory. 

Not only did Brendan clinch a win in the final stage of Tucson Bicycle Classic 2024, but he was able to reclaim GC, which made for an electric and memorable finish to TBC 2024. 

As the 36th Tucson Bicycle Classic draws to a close, its impact extends far beyond the immediate thrill of victory and the sting of defeat experienced on the roads of Tucson. Positioned early in the season, this event not only sets the stage for a year of racing but also serves as a crucial barometer for athletes’ form and strategy as they gear up for the challenges ahead. The performances witnessed here, from the commanding solo victory by Brendan Rhim to Sofia Arreola’s strategic dominance, offer a fascinating glimpse into the potential trajectories of these athletes in the coming months.

As we look forward to the rest of the cycling season, it’s intriguing to contemplate how the lessons learned and the fitness gained at the Tucson Bicycle Classic will translate into success in subsequent races. Events like the Tour of the Gila and Tour de Bloom await, each with their own unique demands that test endurance, strategy, and teamwork in different ways. Moreover, the technical prowess demonstrated in Tucson bodes well for those looking to excel in highly technical races such as the IntelliCup, Tulsa Tough, Indy Momentum, and Tour of America’s Dairyland, where split-second decisions and bike handling skills can be just as crucial as raw power.

This early-season showcase in Tucson not only ignites the competitive spirit of the cycling community but also sets the tone for a season of thrilling races, personal bests, and perhaps even the emergence of new champions. The progress of athletes from this point forward, how they build on their early-season form, and adapt to the diverse challenges of the race calendar, will be a captivating narrative to follow. The Tucson Bicycle Classic, with its blend of individual time trials, grueling road races, and technical circuit courses, provides a comprehensive foundation that athletes can build upon. As they move on to face the varied terrains and competition of the cycling season, the lessons learned, and confidence gained here in Tucson will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in shaping their journeys.

As the dust settles on this year’s classic, the stories of shock, awe, and triumph that emerged inspire both amateur athletes and enthusiasts to chase their dreams on the open road. The Tucson Bicycle Classic once again reaffirmed its status as a cornerstone of the cycling calendar, encapsulating the beauty, challenge, and camaraderie of cycling in its purest form.

Final General Classification

For complete results, see https://tucsonbicycleclassic.com/2024-results