Cuban cyclist closes season with victory in the U.S.

Havana, September 19 (ACN) - Cuban cyclist Marlies Mejías closed this week in a dream season with the TWENTY24 club in the United States, winning the Gateway Cup, a four-day race in St Louis, Missouri.

"It has been an excellent year, a lot of learning, many victories and teamwork. I am very grateful for the successful season the team has had. We have exceptional synergy and will continue to strengthen the team next year," said Mejias, according to a statement on the TWENTY24 website.

Once again, the small but mighty duo of Sofia Arreola and Marlies Mejias, fresh off a great weekend at Momentum Indy Criteriums, headed to the last stop on the criterium calendar for the team.

At the Gateway Cup, the duo of Mejías and Mexico's Arreola, a two-time world track runner-up and multiple Pan American medalist, took second place on the first day and then "accelerated and won the next three stages and the overall classification," with Arreola leading the way.

The criterium (cycling race in short circuits, generally urban) took place in a variety of climates and was supported by enthusiastic crowds.

Since November, Mejías has taken numerous podium finishes in various competitions, such as the Tour de Tucson, the Clarendon Cup, the Crystal Cup, the Tulsa Tough - McElroy River Park Criterium and the Momentum Indy Criterium.

Incorporated into the sport after her maternity, Mejías was Pan American champion in the road time trial in the Dominican Republic in August 2021 representing Cuba.