Southland rider Cameron Karwowski made an audacious attack for glory on the streets of New York in the annual Harlem Skyscraper Criterium today.
He charged to the lead with just over a lap remaining in the 80km crit which forms part of the US National Series, with the BikeNZ Under-23 track endurance squad receiving a special invitation to compete.
Karwowski grabbed a handy lead and took out the final sprint prime but was swallowed up on the final lap by the United Healthcare train who promoted Jake Keogh to the victory, with the kiwi sitting up after he was caught.
The annual race around Marcus Garvey Park in downtown Harlem attracted many of the leading American professionals, with the kiwi under-23 trio of Karwowski, fellow Southlander Piet Bulling and Christchurch’s Scott Creighton competing.
The United Healthcare team caught a handy break with four laps of the 1km loop remaining and looked to have the race under control until Karwowski’s brave charge.
Bulling took out an earlier sprint prime and finished in the bunch while Creighton withdrew 10 laps from the finish after taking on the hard-working role for Karwowski.
The under-23 team are currently based in Kutztown for training and racing following their racing programme in Europe.
Result, Harlem Skyscraper Criterium: Jake Keough (United Healthcare) 1:31.25, 1; Emile Abraham Rossette Devo) same time, 2; Luke Keough (Mountain Khakis) same time 3. Also New Zealanders: Piet Bulling at 5sec, 24; Cameron Karwowski at 25sec, 49.