Niles storms to record 3rd stage victory, Pollydore assumes overall lead
Junior Niles raises his hand in triumph as he is about to cross the finish line just ahead of Godfrey Pollydore. (Franklin Wilson photo)
By Franklin Wilson
The records continues to tumble as rivalry in the Third Annual Ride for Life Five-Stage Cycle Road Race organised by the Ministry of Culture Youth and Sport and sponsored by The Ministry of Health continued with the 3rd stage yesterday on the West Coast of Demerara.
Defending champion, Junior Niles, who suffered mechanical problems on the first stage from Springlands Corentyne to New Amsterdam, rebounded in style to win the third stage from the Wales Police to Bushy Park on the East Bank of Essequibo in under one hour (57 minutes 17 seconds) a new stage record replacing last year’s time of 1 hour 03 minutes 19 seconds.
The race commenced about 15 minutes late owing to the late arrival of the Traffic Ranks but once it got underway, like the first and second stages, a blistering pace was set and from the onset, the record was under threat.
Like the other two stages also, an exciting sprint to the line decided the winner. This time around Niles outdid Godfrey Pollydore, John Charles, Marlon Morrison, Horace Burrowes and Marloe Rodman in that order. The only rider who did not benefit from the same time as Niles was Rodman who was timed at 58 minutes 34 seconds. Bonus seconds of 10, 7, 5, 4, 3 and 2 seconds were again rewarded to the top six finishers. Separating themselves early from the pack just around the village of Stanleytown were Niles, Pollydore, Charles, Morrison, Burrowes, Rodman, Enzo Matthews and Alonzo Greaves. Matthews did not last long as he backed off at Nimes while Greaves was left in the wake of the others at the Demerara Harbour Bridge.
Niles, Pollydore, Charles, Morrison and Rodman from that stage never allowed the second pack to connect as they continuously extended the lead beyond their reach.
Overall leader
As the battle for the top prize and bragging rights intensifies, Pollydore has taken over as the overall leader (5:03.00) with Robin Persaud and Charles locked in the runner-up position (5:03.02). Junior rider Geron Williams and Horace Burrowes are also tied in third position (5:03.04).
They are followed by Alonzo Greaves (5:03.05), Marloe Rodman (5:03.26), Dwayne Gibbs (5:04.00), Simon Clarke (5:04.07) and Raymond Newton (5:04.09).
A total of 66 riders started the 226 mile event on Wednesday in Berbice but only 50 faced the starters orders yesterday, the other 16 did not qualify for varying reasons, many failing to finish the second stage.
The penultimate stage today is set for the Essequibo Coast with the record for the 62 miles (100KM)) journey of 2 hours 30 minutes 54 seconds under threat. Last year’s winner was Colin Wilson of Trinidad and Tobago. Pedal off time is 07:30hrs from Supenaam proceeding to Charity before returning to Suddie for the finish.
The 5th and final stage will commence in the Bauxite Mining Town of Linden tomorrow from 08:30hrs proceeding to Homestretch Avenue for the finish.
At the end of the second stage, Rosignol to Carifesta Avenue, the overall leader was Robin Persaud and not Geron Williams as was published. Williams was second followed by Alonzo Greaves and Marloe Rodman.
