Pictured are just a few that participated in a 45-mile bicycle race from New Martinsville to Monroe County.

On April 26, bicycle racing returned to Monroe and Wetzel counties. Thirty six riders from Ohio, West Virginia and Pennsylvania started with 31 competitors finishing .

The 45-mile course began on Main Street, New Martinsville, and made its way across the Korean Veterans Bridge to Monroe County where the participants became well acquainted with the hills of Sykes and Bondy ridges and Ohio state routes 536 and 255. The race finished downhill into Hannibal.

Scott Gartman from Cleveland came down to “enjoy some southern hospitality” and ended up winning the race. He took the lead on Ohio St. Rt. 78 and did not relinquish it.

Rounding out the top five male finishers were Stephen Rowand, John Letelhocz, Jose Martinez and Ben Kuhlman. Top female finisher was Carie Smith from Athens, Ohio. Among local riders who acquitted themselves well were Wayne Anderson, Luke Reynolds and Scott Clegg.

Saturday saw a nine-mile team trial that started at the Hannibal Dam and went to Clarington. The winning team was led by Morgan Miller from Bridgeport, W. Va. Second overall and first in the Masters’ Class was Team Baristas with Charlie Sebroski, Bob Byard and John Yevuta.

Race course support was provided by area bicyclists. In addition, the Monroe County Sheriff’s Department and New Martinsville Police worked in concert to insure the safety of all riders along the route.

A Fall race is being planned.