Add another trophy to Michael Anthony’s cabinet.
One week after placing second in the Golden Jubilee Independence Three-Stage road race, the Team Evolution standout took his talents to the National Park yesterday and sprinted off with the spoils of the feature 35-lap event of the sixth annual PowerAde 11-race programme.
It was Anthony’s fifth win and the 18th for Team Evolution cyclists in 21 starts this season.
Despite being soaked from the heavy rainfall, Anthony completed the race which he also won last year in a brisk one hour, 19 minutes and 25 seconds.
Jeban Crawford and Paul DeNobrega joined the 20-year old on the podium yesterday.
Anthony’s club mate, Stephen Fernandes, Raphael Leung and Jaikarran Sukhai filled out the top six positions.
Crawford, DeNobrega, Raul Leal (four sprint prizes), Walter Grant-Stuart (three sprint prizes) and Ray Millington (one sprint prize) were part of a seven-man break that created separation from the 29 strong peloton in the fourth lap.
These riders maintained their lead on the chase pack up until the 32nd lap.
With the high pacing of Anthony and his club mates, Marlon Williams and Orville Hinds, the peloton was able to reconnect with the leaders.
A series of attacks ensued by several sets of riders but they lacked much venom and the chasers were quickly able to bridged the gaps.
In the final lap, most of the riders were still bunched up but Anthony had enough left in the tank to power home and seal the sprint victory ahead of Crawford, DeNobrega and the other wheelsmen.
Other winners yesterday included: Adelia Hodge (BMX Boys 12-14 years), Whitney Poyer (BMX Boys and Girls 12-14 years), Jeremiah Harrison (BMX Boys 9-12 years), John Niles (BMX Boys 6-9 years), Shane Bourne (Mountain Bike), Andrew Hicks (Juveniles), Junior Niles (Veteran U-50 years), Bochel Samaroo (Veteran O-50 years) and Monty Parris (Veteran O-60 years).
At the completion of the event, its organizer, Hassan Mohamed congratulated the cyclists for making the day a success and also thanked the sponsor for being onboard.
PowerAde’s Brand Manager, Errol Nelson also made brief remarks and assisted with the presentation of the prizes.
The cycling season is scheduled to continue this morning with a 60-mile road race on the East Coast of Demerara. (Emmerson Campbell)