newsome and Roberge Claim Victories at BWR North Carolina Velo
Pisgah Forest, NC – November 4, 2023 - Emily Newsome of Pas Normal and Adam Roberge emerged victorious at the BWR North Carolina Velo gravel race today, dominating their respective fields in challenging conditions. Newsome secured a commanding win in the women’s race, while Roberge powered to a solo victory in the men’s competition.
Newsome completed the course in 5h 25m 23.17s, finishing a remarkable 23 minutes ahead of Florence Howden and a staggering 54 minutes faster than Katherine Lin, who rounded out the women’s podium. Newsome, the most experienced rider in the women’s field, set a blistering pace from the start. “We started with the guys, so it was a big group and pretty chill until the frist long climb, where it exploded,” Newsome explained. “I was a little worried as I wasn’t sure if my legs were good, but I warmed up and I was able to get with a really good group of men.We stuck together for almost the entire race. I pushed it really hard on the climbs and tried to hang through all the technical stuff.” Only eight women finished the race, highlighting a notable gap in participation and performance levels.
In the men’s race,Roberge finished with a time of 4h 46m 26.36s, besting Cole Davis by two minutes and Drew Dillman by over six. The race saw early challenges from Griffin boyle, whose bid for the lead was cut short by two punctures and a broken saddle, forcing his withdrawal at mile 57. Davis initially emerged as Roberge’s primary challenger, launching an attack on a significant climb with 35 miles remaining. However, roberge ultimately bridged the gap and rode to a decisive solo win. “It was so fun, please keep this race,” Roberge pleaded to the race’s social media account. “I don’t know if I’m biased since I like the East Coast, but this course is just perfection.”
Men’s top five finishers:
- Adam Roberge – 4h 46m 26.36s
- Cole Davis – 4h 48m 34.75s
- Andrew Dillman – 4h 52m 11.91s
- Jura Gerlach – 4h 54m 38.55s
- Brody McDonald – 5h 02m 58.99s
Women’s top five finishers:
- Emily Newsom – 5h 25m 23.17s
- Florence Howden – 5h 48m 37.34s
- Katherine Lin - 6h 19m 42.95s
- Cassie Cobb - 6h 35m 08.02s
- Andrea De Leon – 6h 40m 33.40s