Romello Crawford and Trinidadian Phillip Clarke won stage one and two respectively when the 40th National Sports Commission Independence Three-Stage Cycle Road Race commenced Saturday.

Crawford, who is riding without a team, won the opening leg in a time of one hour, 48 minutes, and 27 seconds (1:48.27s).
The 40-mile race was from Corriverton to New Amsterdam.

Team Evolution’s Curtis Dey got second while Emmanuel Gayral from Antigua and Barbuda got third and Clarke in fourth.
For the juniors, the talented Alexander Leung got the top spot followed by Aaron Newton and Jair Norton while Sidwell Sandy and Torell Noel were the top two Juveniles.

Likewise, defending champion Clievcia Spencer and Tandeia Noel were the top two ladies.

In the Veterans (40-45), Kwame Ridely (first), Robin Persaud (second), and Alex Mendes (third) were the top three while in the Veterans (45 and over): Clarke (first), Paul Choowenam (second), Ian Jackson (third)
The second stage, from the Berbice Bridge to Carifesta Avenue, approximately 60 miles, commenced at 14:00h, and only the seniors and veterans were required to do the entire course, as the Juveniles and women started at the halfway tree.

Following the veteran rider, Clarke, at the line was Dey and Jorryn Simpson of Suriname and Crawford in fourth.
It is understood, heading into the final stage, Dey is the unofficial leader followed closely by Clarke and Crawford.

Up to press time, the official standings and official time of the second stage were not made public.
Newton (Juniors), Sandy (Juvenile), Persaud (veterans 40-45), and Spencer won the second leg in their respective categories.
The final stage, from Linden to Homestretch Avenue, approximately 65 miles, is on today from 08:00h.