‘Who were those guys’ was a refrain heard after this year’s Grant’s Tomb Pro 1/2 race. For many the two man breakaway of Michael Friedman and Guillaume Nelessen (both Northwest Mortgage) came as a surprise, but for those in the know (not us) the two trackies never should have been allowed to get away. Between them they claim a national championship at the team pursuit, an espoir national road title, as well as rides at the junior worlds.

The duo powered away in the first third of the race, taking a Westwood Velo rider with them. Within a lap the Westwood rider was shelled, and Friedman and Nelessen settled into team pursuit mode. There were some bridge attempts, but they were shut down by Mengoni to ensure a high placing for Roosevelt ‘Pollo’ Marte.

Lap after lap the gap grew, until it reached 50 seconds. In the end Friedman and Nelessen rode in together a la Lemond and Hinault, with Nelessen slinging Friedman across for the win. In the field sprint Edward Wood (Louis Garneau) held off Marte for third.

Winner Friedman (L) and teammate Nelessen.

After you. No, after YOU.

1. Michael Friedman Northwestern Mortgage

2. Guillaume Nelessen Northwestern Mortgage

3. Edward Wood Louis Garneau

4. Roosevelt Marte Mengoni

5. Kevin Molloy CRCA/Axis

6. Karl Rahn CRCA/Axis

7. Lisban Quintero Mengoni

8. Michael Cody Fior di Frutta

9. Franklin Burgos James Vincent

10. Scott Bodin Fastar

Photos here.