Colombian rider Matteo Garcia, representing Trinidad and Tobago’s Team Raiders, has asserted his dominance in the 42nd edition of Guyana’s Independence Three-Stage Cycle Road Race, securing victories in both opening stages on Saturday.

His commanding performance puts him in a strong position heading into the final stage.

The first stage, a 45-mile race from Corriverton to New Amsterdam, saw Garcia clock a winning time of one hour, 41 minutes, and 28 seconds.

He narrowly edged out local favourite Aaron Newton of KFC Evolution in a thrilling sprint finish, with Newton finishing just fractions behind in 1:41.31.

Another rider competing for a Trinidadian club, Adam Alexander, secured third place, crossing the line in 1:42.17. Curtis Dey, Robin Persaud, and Jaiden Neaves rounded out the top six in the opening stage.

Garcia continued his impressive form in Stage Two, a challenging 62-mile event from D’Edward Village to Liliendaal.

The Colombian once again proved too strong for the competition, finishing in two hours, twenty minutes, and 36 seconds. Seasoned campaigner and Masters competitor Robin Persaud finished second in this stage, four seconds adrift in two hours, twenty minutes, and 40 seconds.

With two stage wins under his belt, Garcia holds a significant advantage in the overall classification heading into the final day of racing.

An unprecedented performance from his competitors would be required to deny him the title.

The third and final stage, traditionally a road race from Linden to Georgetown, will this year be held as a circuit race in Providence due to ongoing road construction.

The event, organised by the National Sports Commission, features a peloton of 45 riders vying for top honours in one of Guyana’s premier cycling events.