Gran Premio New York City: Sebastián Brenes Mata scorches sprint for second victory of the season

Sebastián Brenes Mata claimed a commanding victory at the Gran Premio New York City, securing his second win of the season with a powerful sprint finish. The Costa Rican rider, representing Canel's-Java, surged ahead in the final 50 metres to overtake Wilmar Paredes of Team Medellín-EPM. Canadian Jérôme Gauthier of Project Echelon Racing also made a decisive move on the inside, taking second place and pushing Paredes into third. The race concluded with Dicolas Gomez and Johan Colon of GW Erco SportFitness completing the top five, while last year’s runner-up Brayan Sánchez finished sixth. The event marked the third edition of the Gran Premio New York City, attracting a strong field of 95 riders who tackled a challenging 135km course. The route began with a crossing of the George Washington Bridge, followed by a scenic but demanding ride along the Hudson River’s western banks and climbs through Harriman State Park, before finishing in Fort Lee, New Jersey. The race unfolded under clear skies and rapidly rising temperatures, with only two riders failing to finish and 15 finishing outside the time limit. Brenes Mata’s victory builds on his early-season success at the Redlands Bicycle Classic, highlighting his growing prominence in North American racing circuits. Having competed in all three editions of GP NYC, he improved significantly on his ninth-place finish last year. His performance underscores his sprinting prowess and tactical acumen, particularly in navigating the final moments of a tightly contested race. The results not only reinforce Brenes Mata’s status as a rider to watch but also reflect the increasing competitiveness of the Gran Premio New York City within the international cycling calendar. With strong showings from riders across the Americas and Canada, the race continues to attract a diverse and talented field. Looking ahead, Brenes Mata’s form suggests he will be a key contender in upcoming events throughout the season.