Despite the absence of foreign cyclists, this year’s Independence three-stage event which concluded on Sunday was deemed a success.
“We didn’t get the international flavour but I was quite satisfied,”
said main organizer Hassan Mohamed yesterday.
“I think the race was very successful and I am happy that the locals got to showcase themselves.”
It was a hiccup free two days of intense racing on the open roads of Berbice, the city and Linden by the 43 wheelsmen.
As customary, the logistics got an `A’ grade for the well-coordinated 33rd annual fixture. Points to note: the first two stages were faster than the one’s in 2014 and last year’s race attracted about 15 international riders.
This year’s overall winning time recorded by Team Evolution’s Orville Hinds (6hr: 50m: 37s) was almost three minutes faster than the winning time last year (6h: 53m: 18s) set by semiprofessional Barbadian rider Darren Matthews. Third place finisher, Raul Leal’s timing (6hr: 52m: 31s) was even faster.
That says a lot about the home grown talent that rode through high winds and heavy downpours.
“I consider Hinds a legitimate champion and it goes to show what they can do once they ride as a team” Mohamed noted. Team Evolution’s Hinds, Michael Anthony and Leal swept the podium positions.
Summary of the three stage event held over the weekend:
Top 6 of the First stage-Corriverton to New Amsterdam (46 miles)
Alonzo Ambrose 1hr: 41m: 14s
Ian Jackson 1:41:17
Akeem Arthur 1:41:19
Stephen Fernandes 1:41:21
Orville Hinds 1:41:51
Michael Anthony 1:41:55
Top six of the Second stage-Rosignol to Carifesta Avenue (60 miles)
Michael Anthony 2hr: 18m: 41s
Orville Hinds 2:18:44
Raul Leal 2:18:46
Geron Williams 2:22:48
Top four of the Third stage-Linden to Carifesta Avenue (65 miles)
Jamal John 2hr: 49m: 57s
Shaquel Agard Same time
Orville Hinds Same time
Marlon Williams Same time
Top 6 Overall
Orville Hinds 6hr: 50m: 37s (Team Evolution)
Michael Anthony 6:52:26 (Team Evolution)
Raul Leal 6:52:31 (Team Evolution)
Geron Williams 6:54:59 (Continental)
Alonzo Ambrose 6:57:16 (Team Alanis)
Marlon Williams 6:57:18 (Team Evolution)
