Christopher Griffith outsprinted Andrew Hicks in a thrilling two-man finish to cart off the spoils of the feature 35-lap event of the Laparkan Holdings Limited multi-race programme yesterday.
The Team Evolution standout who snapped up his first signature win of the season, stopped the clock in a brisk one hour, 18 minutes and 38 seconds in perfect conditions for racing at the National Park.
His heroics, which measured in inches, dashed Hicks’ hope of successfully defending the race title.
Michael Anthony who is showing some late season form, joined the duo on the podium after out riding the remnants of the peloton.
Geron Williams finished a close fourth in a photo finish with Anthony, while Alonzo Ambrose and Alex Mendes completed the top six rewarding positions. Griffith, Hicks and Deeraj Garbarran were part of a successful break which was established in lap 20. The three riders rode together until the 32nd lap where an exhausted Garbarran fell off the high pace and was eventually sucked in by the valiant chasers.
A six-man peloton led by Anthony and Williams throttled hard in an effort to connect to the leaders, however, the two tireless wheelsmen up front were able to hold off their charges by interchanging the lead and the responsibility of maintaining their 15-second advantage.
Their partnership paid off but at the bell lap, Griffith and Hicks expectedly threw teamwork out the window about 150m from the finish. They rose from their saddles and barreled to the line. Many onlookers had Hicks as the favorite to repeat, but Griffith gritted his teeth and changed gears and had just enough left in the tank to take the spoils of the event.
Other winners yesterday included: David Hicks (12-14 Boys and Girls), Leer Nunes (Veteran U-50), Ian Jackson (Veteran O-50), Donovan Fraser (Juveniles), Quincy Punch (Mountain Bike), Neshawn Rigby (BMX 6-9) and Shaquille Dow (BMX 9-12 and 12-14).
The programme’s, organizer, Hassan Mohamed, congratulated the competitors for making the fixture a success. He was also in praises of Laparkan Holdings Limited for sponsoring the event for the 14th year.
Notes: The cycling season continues this morning with the lucrative Victor Macedo 75-mile road race. Action for the Flying Stars organized events starts at 07:30hrs with a rolling start in Peter Rose Street, Queenstown. The 16th edition of the fixture will then proceed to Long Creek on the Linden/Soesdyke Highway and return to Homestretch Avenue for the finish. (Emmerson Campbell)
The ‘Green Machine’ made hay in the sunshine on Day One of the Rugby America’s North (RAN) Sevens Championships currently underway in Barbados, defeating both Group B foes, Curacao and the host.
First up, the local ruggers kept a clean sheet against Curacao, drubbing the challenger 59-nil to start their campaign. The host put up much more resistance but went down to the national side 10-19. Guyana plays the Dominican Republic in Quarterfinal #4 today at 10:28am
Action continues today from 09:00hrs for the Championships which has plenty on the line for the victors.
While the male outfit played undefeated yesterday, the local female side had mixed results. Guyana women drew 7-7 with the Dominican Republic, lost 0-25 to St Lucia and then defeated Barbados 42-0.
They play Mexico this morning at 9:22am and must win to come second in the Pool and secure a semifinal berth.
Green Machine beat Curacao, B/dos to reach ter finals
