Riding for the Optum Pro Cycling team, Jesse Anthony, 28, of Thousand Oaks, edged Blake Anton to capture the men’s pro race at the 52nd Chevron Manhattan Beach Grand Prix.
In the women’s pro 1-2 race, Erica Allar, 27, of Tuscon, AZ enjoyed her first victory at the MBGP riding for Care4Cycling powered by Soloman Corp. The Women’s 1-2 race paid the same podium money of $3,140 as the Men’s Pro 1 race.
Allar held off Samantha Schneider, 22, of West Allis, WI and Laura Van Gilder, 49, of Cresco, PA who had won the event twice before.
The Manhattan Beach Grand Prix (MBGP) is co-sponsored by the South Bay Wheelmen and the South Bay Wheelmen Foundation and provides racing for all levels of men and women USAC racers as well as a wide age range of community racers.
After a many-year absence, the Women’s Category 3-4 race was added to this year’s schedule and was won by Angelica Fravre.
Chad Moston, who was the Cat 4 champion in 2012, won the Cat 3 race and Leo Reyes emerged victorious in this year’s Cat 4 event.
Italian racer Silver Lazzari won the Masters 35+ event and Mike McMahon took top honors in the Masters 45+ race.
Founded in 1962 by local cycling legend Ted Ernst, the MBGP featured food, nutrition and cycling and fitness exhibits. A Vintage Bicycle Show presented by FarWest Milano Cycling Club featured bicycles, equipment and historic displays.
Chevron celebrated its 23rd year as title sponsor of the event and was also the sponsor for the Men’s Pro 1 and Women’s Cat 1-2 races.
