Brands Cuevas Junior Cycling Development – Sommerville 2018
Written by Doug Toback
I made a promise to Fernando Cuevas before he passed away at the end of last year. We would continue his team, grow it and give young athletes in the NYC area the ability to cycle independent of economic capabilities. Our day in Sommerville was a step on that journey.
We placed first place in the Tour of Sommerville Jr Race on Memorial Day. We knew the race would be stacked with the areas best junior riders comprised of National Champions and elite riders. We brought our Regional level team to race including our 12 year old rider knowing we would need full team support to compete.
Gabriel Tonini went on an early break with a single rider that was later bridged to 4 riders. The story behind the story was how the Brands Cuevas team sat in the main field of the remaining 40 riders to help maintain the break. Howard, Little Juan, DJ and Anthony did their job quietly and the break stayed intact for the rest of the race which honestly was surprising.
Gabriel was able to get a small advantage in the final sprint against very strong riders. In the true Jr racing spirit there was plenty of mutual respect and all around accolades between all the riders after the finish.
At the beginning of the year we would never have expected a day like this. The community on the other hand had other plans for us – they supported us, got us back on our feet and gave us the means, knowledge and infrastructure to make our family team thrive.
Two of my friends are now coaches and my wife is the parent manager/photographer. Our local bike shop Brands Cycle and Fitness and Giant Bicycles ensure that we have access to keep riders on safe and appropriate bikes as anchor supporters. Elite Endurance trains the regional team. Arias International (Freeport NY) provides our kits and many local businesses and community members pitched in and provided funding so our team can race and grow. The support from USAC and NYSBRA has been vital – with many phone calls, answered questions and support.
We are and always have been the community grass roots junior team. We are grateful to you all and look forward to the rest of the season and beyond.
Follow us on Instagram @BrandsCuevas and contact Doug Toback if you have a Jr rider who wants to cycle at Douglas.Toback at gmail.com.
