Shaquel Agard took his second victory of the season by winning yesterday’s sixth annual 50-mile Massy Distribution sponsored event, edging Team Gillette Evolution’s Orville Hinds in a thrilling photo finish.
The end of the race witnessed by spectators at Schoonord was so close that the officials had to spend several minutes studying photos before announcing that the 18-year old was indeed the winner albeit by millimeters.
The Linden Bauxite Flyers standout clocked one hour, 53 minutes and 24 seconds for the sun-baked event which rolled off at Wales, proceeded to Parika and returned to Schoonord.
Carlton Wheeler’s Robin Persaud joined Agard and Hinds on the podium while Chris Holder (Team Coco’s), Alonzo Ambrose (Team Alanis) and Raul Leal (Team Gillette Evolution) filled out the top six paid positions.
Agard who won a sprint prize along with Hinds (four sprint prizes) and junior cyclist, Andrew Hicks separated from the peloton on the upward journey at Leonora.
Despite the valiant effort of the chasers, the trio managed to maintain their lead by riding as a team until Hicks dropped off the pace.
However, the two-man army of Agard and Hinds soldiered on and managed to stave off the pack.
But team work was shelved when the finish line and a victory was insight.
Agard rolled up the sprint then Hinds rose from his saddle and changed gears. The adrenaline was pumping as the two riders barreled to the line.
The pair then whisked past the officials wheel to wheel and could not be separated by the naked eye.
Agard’s belief was then subsequently confirmed by Orlando Charles’ camera lenses.
