Michael Anthony kicked off the city’s cycling season in fine style yesterday winning the feature 35-lap event of the 23rd annual Ricks and Sari Agro Industries multi-race programme.
In perfect conditions for racing at the National Park, Williams, of Team Gillette Evolution (TGE), took pole position in a brisk one hour, 18 minutes and 38 seconds.
Decked out in a crisp black and white team kit, Anthony led his club mates, Orville Hinds and Marlon ‘Fishy’ Williams (last year’s race winner) onto the podium while Robin Persaud, Raul Leal (TGE) and Geron Williams rounded out the top six rewarding positions.
“It’s the first win for the season and I feel good about that,” said the national rider.
The TGE standout said that he was looking forward to more wins as the season progresses.
“We are aiming to be the number one team at the end of the year again just as we were last year. We are looking to change things in cycling hence the name evolution.”
Williams and Persaud moved away from the main bunch in the fourth lap and the two wheelsmen sustained their lead for the next 18 laps until Williams’ club mates connected.
The five riders then rode in tandem to preserve their lead for much of the remainder of the fixture.
Over the final 300 metres, the top three shed Persaud, leaving Anthony to take the season opener.
Before the signature event of the programme organized by Hassan Mohamed, there were nine other events.
The winners were:
Romello Crawford (Juveniles, 10 laps)
Seon Budhan (Mountain Bike)
Adelia Hodge (BMX 12-14 Years, 3 laps)
Ronaldo Narine (BMX 12-14 Boys and Girls)
Junior Niles Veteran’s Under-50 Years (5laps)
Andrew Spencer (Veteran’s Over-50 Years, 5 laps)
Monty Parris (Veteran’s Over-60 Years)
John Niles (BMX Boys 6-9 Years, 2laps)
Simeon Chee (BMX Boys 9-12 Years, 3laps)
The cyclists will now take their talents to the open roads of the Ancient County this morning to compete in the Benjamin Sports 50-mile road race. Anthony is the defending champion of the event and will be looking for back-to-back wins.
