Persaud outsprints Pollydore in 55-mile road race

After finishing fifth in the feature 35-lap event of the 2nd annual Malta Supreme 11-race programme on Saturday in the National Park, Robin Persaud took his talents to the open roads of Berbice on Sunday and was victorious.

Persaud, 38, outsprinted Godfrey Pollydore and the in-form Alanzo Greaves (winner of Saturday’s feature race) to earn the top honours in the annual 55-mile road race to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Ballot Box Martyrs.

The national cyclist, who chalked up his fourth win of the season, took pole position in two hours, 12 minutes and 49 seconds for the gruelling event which pedalled off from Freedom House in New Amsterdam, proceeded to the Corriverton Police Station and returned to Number 63 for the finish.

Persaud also pocketed two of the eight sprint prizes.

Last year’s senior national road race champion, Orville Hinds, reigning junior road race champion, Michael Anthony and 2011 senior road race champion, Walter Grant-Stewart rounded out the top six.

Pollydore also copped two sprint prizes with one apiece going to Greaves, Anthony, Hinds and Chris Persaud.

Other winners on Sunday were Anthony (junior), Raymond Newton (veteran), Ozia McAlley (Mountain Bike), Hazina Barrett (Female) and Monty Parris (Over 60).

Veteran, upright and female riders started at Freedom House, New Amsterdam, at the same time with the seniors, but finished on the upward journey at Number 63.

There were 55 starters in the 55-mile event.

The race was sponsored exclusively by Corentyne businessman Chris Jagdeo, and saw members of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic giving the cyclists the ceremonial send-off at New Amsterdam and assisting in the presentation of prizes at Number 63.