Marlies Mejías wins fourth criterium in four days with title defence in Tour of Somerville

Marlies Mejías of Virginia's Blue Ridge TWENTY28 delivered an impressive performance over the US Memorial Day weekend, securing her fourth consecutive criterium victory with wins at both the Easton Criterium in Pennsylvania and the Tour of Somerville in New Jersey. This marked her successful defence of the Somerville title for the second year running, cementing her status as one of the top sprinters on the American criterium circuit. Mejías’ string of victories followed a strong showing at the Tour de Bloom, where she finished second overall and claimed two stage wins, demonstrating consistent form across multiple race formats. The weekend’s races were marked by intense tactical battles and high-speed sprints, with Mejías prevailing in bunch finishes by launching decisive late attacks to open clear gaps. Her Easton Criterium win came alongside notable performances from Jenna Netman and Paola Muñoz, while Skylar Schneider and Odette Lynch completed the podium at Somerville. On the men’s side, Lucas Bourgoyne of Cadence Cyclery PB Waldo Racing successfully defended his Tour of Somerville title, adding to his previous year’s triumph, although he faced stiff competition from riders such as Jim Brown and James Wilson in both events. Mejías credited her success to strong teamwork and support from her Virginia's Blue Ridge TWENTY28 teammates, particularly Rylee McMullen and Sofia Arreola, who played crucial roles in controlling the races and positioning her for victory. She also highlighted the impact of her coach, Kristin Armstrong, and the benefits of focusing on track cycling earlier in the year, which she believes has enhanced her speed and endurance on the road. Additionally, the introduction of new STROMM aero road bikes has contributed to her improved performance, signalling a combination of training, equipment, and team dynamics behind her winning streak. The Easton Criterium, now in its sixth year, and the Tour of Somerville, the longest-running one-day race in the United States with its 81st edition, continue to attract top domestic talent and showcase high-calibre racing. With the USA CRITS series concluding on such a competitive note, riders and teams will be looking ahead to upcoming events, building on the momentum generated by these landmark Memorial Day weekend races. Full race results were made available by the organisers, reflecting the depth of competition and the growing prominence of criterium racing in the North American cycling calendar.