Junior star cyclist, Michael Anthony pedaled his way to the podium in this year’s Bigi Bergi four-stage Tour of Suriname road race over the weekend. In the grueling three-day event which concluded Sunday,the 18-year old placed second from a field of 45 wheelsmen who competed for Curacao, French Guiana, Guyana, Aruba and the host nation.
The Linden Bauxite Flyers product completed the four stages in eight hours, 23 minutes and 45 seconds after pedaling in ninth in the first two stages, third in the penultimate stage and fourth in the time trial which was the fourth and final stage.
“Michael is very dedicated and has a passion for cycling“ said Anthony’s father Nigel Anthony yesterday.
“I told him as long as he remains focused and disciplined, the sky is the limit, I am very elated about his performance. Before he left I told him he can win the under-21 category and also be on the podium in the seniors, so said so done, I am very proud of him”.
Anthony’s next overseas assignment will be spearheading a six-man unit at the Junior Caribbean Cycling Championships also scheduled for Suriname in early October. Other notable performances came from national riders Alanzo Greaves, Paul DeNobrega and Akeem Arthur.
Greaves who finished 11th overall, won the first stage. DeNobrega ended on seventh overall and took the top honors in the third stage and placed fourth in the first stage. Arthur finished ninth overall.
The event was won by French Guiana’s Olivier Ridarch in eight hours, 22 minutes and 45 seconds. Third went to Ridrach’s countryman, Eloyck Pena De Souza (8h:23m:59s). (Emmerson Campbell)
