Justin Williams of L39ION of Los Angeles (right) won the 2026 Krem’s New Year’s Day Cycling Classic along with teammate Jyven Gonzalez (left). Photo: XTV Belize screenshot
By Rubén Morales Iglesias: Justin Williams of L39ION of Los Angeles won the 2026 Krem’s New Year’s Day Cycling Classic in dramatic fashion, riding , riding into Belize City alongside teammate Jyven Gonzalez as the pair crossed Central American Boulevard hand in hand. Williams was awarded 1st place, with Gonzalez taking 2nd, after the two dominated the final stretch of the race.
Williams’ winning time was in three hours, 17 minutes and 51 seconds (3:17:51), at an average speed of 27.6 miles per hour — a new New Year’s Day Classic record.
Oscar Quiroz finished 3rd, securing the final podium spot after a strong chase effort.
How the Race Developed Just Before Belize City
The decisive moment came as the race approached Belize City, where L39ION regained full control.
Jyven Gonzalez lifted the pace at the front, while Justin Williams, who had briefly slipped back earlier, fought his way across the gap and rejoined him. Together, they overtook the leading women cyclists at the entrance of Belize City, signaling the speed and authority with which they were closing the race.
Behind them, the chase group—Oscar Quiroz, Cory Williams, John DeLong, Tarique Flowers, Ignacio Prado, and Kenyon Stanford—continued to push, but the L39ION duo was gone for good.
From there, Justin and Jyven rode the final kilometers side by side, sealing one of the most symbolic finishes in recent Classic history.
How the Race Unfolded Earlier
The action began to take shape after Orange Walk Town, where Jyven Gonzalez claimed the $1,000 Shell Gas Station prize. Soon after, a powerful four‑man breakaway formed:
- Jyven Gonzalez (L39ION)
- Justin Williams (L39ION)
- Tarique Flowers (A. Mahler Digi Alliance)
- Kenyon Stanford (G‑Flow)
They quickly opened a gap of more than two minutes.
Behind them, Mexican rider Ignacio Prado found himself in no‑man’s‑land, passing the Crooked Tree roundabout at 11:12 a.m. alone.
Moments earlier at Mile 30, John DeLong, Oscar Quiroz, and Cory Williams attacked from the chase group. They worked together to close the gap and caught Prado at 11:18 a.m., forming a strong four‑man second group.
As the race approached Sandhill, the structure settled into 4 + 4 + chase, with the gap tightening to 1:25. Cory Williams conserved energy while the others rotated through.
Final Results
- 1st — Justin Williams (L39ION of Los Angeles)
- 2nd — Jyven Gonzalez (L39ION of Los Angeles)
- 3rd — Oscar Quiroz (Valvoline Cycling Club)
A commanding, emotional finish to a Classic that L39ION controlled from the Belize District all the way into Belize City.
The post Justin Williams wins Krem’s New Year’s Day Classic after L39ION of Los Angeles controls final miles into Belize City appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
Justin Williams of L39ION of Los Angeles (right) won the 2026 Krem’s New Year’s Day Cycling Classic along with teammate Jyven Gonzalez (left). Photo: XTV Belize screenshot By Rubén Morales Iglesias: Justin Williams of L39ION of Los Angeles won the 2026 Krem’s New Year’s Day Cycling Classic in dramatic fashion, riding , riding into Belize
The post Justin Williams wins Krem’s New Year’s Day Classic after L39ION of Los Angeles controls final miles into Belize City appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.