The riders from Tecos, a small team from Mexico, received high marks for their inspired efforts during the inaugural Tour of Missouri, culminating in John Fredy Parra winning the red jersey as the Tour’s most aggressive rider.

The award, sponsored by Drury Inn, was the only subjective honor among the competitions within the Tour, with the media selecting the winner. Tecos riders were represented in all of the event’s major breakaways, with the exception of the big breakaway that got away in Stage 2 and set up George Hincapie’s overall victory.

Most impressively, Parra got a podium spot in Stage 5. He was part of the 12-man group that broke away at the 50-mile mark, and he ultimately crossed the finishing line second, 8 seconds behind stage winner Danny Pate of Slipstream-Chipotle. This was after he attacked twice in the rundown to the finish.

Through a local interpreter, Jon Gohl, Parra said winning the red jersey is “very, very important for me.”

“To earn a jersey like this one is one of the three great jerseys you can win in cycling,” he said, with a smile.

Tecos riders seemed to enjoy their time in Missouri, which Parra described as “very beautiful.”

“There were a lot of fans and a lot of support,” Parra said through Gohl. “It is the first race, and it was very well-organized.”

Gohl, a St. Louisan and a bike racer, enjoyed his role with the team as well. Gohl works here for Top Care, which led  to him making  contacts that ultimately resulted in his landing a spot working with Tecos at the Tour of Missouri. Well, that and he speaks fluent Spanish.

Gohl said the team is hopeful that the red jersey won by Parra will help Tecos gain an invite to the Tour of Georgia and the Tour of California next season, and of course a return trip to Missouri.

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