The Tour of Somerville, America's oldest professional cycling race, turned 73 years old this Memorial Day.

The ride is cycling's version of the Kentucky Derby. It's more than seven decades of history that can't be dismissed.

"This is certainly the big one you keep coming back to," says five-year pro Allen Rego.

The race serves as great exposure for Somerville and the state of New Jersey. It's also giving exposure to female racers as part of a change in this year's purse put in motion by racing director Tom Mains.

For the first time ever, the race offered an equal purse for men and women at $10,000 each.

Scott Savory, of Guyana, won this year's pro men's race. Canadian Ellen Waters won for the women.