MICHAEL Anthony stopped Andre ‘Padlock’ Green from grabbing a second consecutive victory, as he out-sprinted the latter to claim the feature 35-lap Schoolboys and Invitational race when the 15th annual Universal Auto and General Supplies pedalled off yesterday.

Organised by National cycling coach Hassan Mohamed at the inner circuit of the National Park, the main event featured over 20 cyclists in brilliant sunshine. However, it was always a battle between the lanky Anthony and Green. They duo took turns in leading the breakaway group which kept the peloton at bay for the majority of the race.

Coming down the backstretch, the duo exploded into sprint mode. However Anthony had just enough left in the tank to outgun Green and cross the finish line in a winning time of one hour 17 minutes.

Meanwhile, Paul DeNobrega came in third while Junior Niles, Christopher ‘Chicken Legs’ Griffith and Marcus Keiler filled in the other top six positions in that order.

Kwame ‘Keyman’ Ridley copped his maiden win in the Veterans category ahead of Junior Niles (second) and Segun Hubbard who settled for third.

Today, action continues as the cyclists will take to the roadways of West Demerara in the 8th annual Malta Supreme road race. The 46-mile race will begin at Schoonord, West Bank Demerara, head to Bushy Park, Parika and back to finish at the point of origin.

Last year’s winner, Hamzah Eastman is absent, which means a new champion will be decided. Eastman’s winning time stands at one hour 40 minutes 25 seconds.

In the Juniors category, Briton John is the defending champion while Junior Niles will be looking to retain his title in the Veterans category.

Jamal Cappell was the winner of last year’s Mountain Bike race while Shanika Teixeira was the Ladies champion.

There will be eight sprint prizes up for grabs and prizes will be given to the top six in the Seniors category and top three in the other categories with a prize for the Oldest cyclist.

Banks DIH Outdoor events manager Mortimer Stewart will assist in the prize-giving ceremony.