Sports view
THE just concluded Three-Stage Cycle Road Race was indeed the biggest and most successful ever cycling event in this country.
For the first time we had eighty cyclists starting the race.  It was indeed a revelation to see twenty-two overseas riders.
Most interesting and spectacular was the fact that team USA/Cocos Team in their smart Green Uniform followed by team Guyana in their National Colours while team Trinidad and Tobago were looking very smart in their Pink Uniform.     
Team Suriname in their National Colours were also very challenging. The teams from St Martin and Anguilla were also in their club jerseys.
The winner Yosmani Pol rode magnificently to break the record by 25 minutes.  While the rider out of Miami won the first and second stages.
Guyanese Warren McKay was equally good as he came in almost together with him after the first two stages. McKay was only six seconds behind because of bonus points that the winner received.
However, the third stage was far more hectic and testing, as the riders had to climb several hills on the Linden/Soesdyke Highway. Former Champion Rider Godfrey Pollydore was the third and final stage winner.  Pollydore was just too good a finisher as he out-sprinted McKay into second position while Pol was third.
The race was indeed keenly contested.  Godfrey Pollydore had a puncture during the second stage and he was never given the opportunity to get back fully into the race. As a result he came in with the second pack.
Pollydore, rode like a master to win the third and final stage and he was closely followed by Warren McKay who chalked up three seconds in the three stages.
However, Yosmani Pol, the overall winner of the race, was close behind both Pollydore and McKay.  However, McKay beating Pol in the third leg was unable to take off the six seconds that he accumulated in the first and second stages.
The race was off to a lightning fast start.  As the cyclists went off from Corriverton, they finished in New Amsterdam in record time.  Pol and McKay took a mere 1 hour 38 minutes 21 seconds as against last year’s time which was 1 hour 47 minutes 40 seconds.
The second stage started at Rosignol and the massive enthusiastic crowd at Carifesta Avenue saw Pol and McKay battle for the first position. In a ‘nose’ finish Pol took a record 2 hours 15 minutes 31 seconds  to win the race.
While last year’s time for the second stage was 2 hours 33 minutes 9 seconds.  The large crowd were on their toes as the cyclists approached the finishing line in a real struggle to win and collect the bonus times.
The third stage was indeed exciting and thrilling.  Pollydore won the stage in 2 hours 46 minutes 22 seconds beating last year’s record by 21 seconds.  Again it was McKay who rode magnificently to capture the second position while the strong and determined Pol came in third in a thrilling finish.
The race attracted thousands of spectators who lined the road shoulders, villages, steps and windows. The Police did an excellent job to clear the road for the race to be accident free. The officials particularly the feeders were also excellent.
The time-keepers were accurate and there were no questions about the efficiency in which the race was conducted. The organisers did an excellent job. Hassan Mohamed and his dependable team must be complimented. For the first time we had a lone female cyclist at all three starting points. 
2010 female IGG Champion Rider Niomi Singh was indeed spectacular, while Rawle Leal at the tender age of 14 rode magnificently in the race. He finished looking like he is ready for the challenge in the very near future. His club leader Hector Edwards lauded young Leal and said he is a future champion.
Hector Edwards, who is the former president of the Cycling Federation was at the race from the start to the very end. Suriname also had a very young cyclist in the race. 
This race is indeed a signature event on the sports calendar. Our young cyclists are much more comfortable with the better roads.  The officials are much more equipped with cameras, watches and computers.
The Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport staff was indeed very supportive. Minister Dr Frank Anthony and the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry Mr Alfred King were at the beginning of the race and the impressive closing ceremony.
Mr Cube Davis from the USA gave out a special racing cycle to one of the riders while other riders received wheels and frames.
The support for this race was unbelievable.  This highly successful 45th Independence Cycle Race was a success. The support and interest in the 29th Independence Three-Stage Cycle Race is a clear indication that cycling is developing in this country.
While president of the federation, Cheryl Thompson, was very supportive, the Cycling Federation should wake-up and realise that the National Sports Commission/Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport is indeed the driving force behind the development and success in this country.