Rodman's a Classic - Jamaican romps Tour of Trinidad Independence race

PORT-OF-SPAIN (CMC):

Jamaica's Marloe Rod-man won the Tour of Trinidad Independence Cycling Classic yesterday by copping the fourth stage of the event.

Rodman, who rode for team Rafman Metalfab Heatwave, edged out Trinidad and Tobago's Colin Wilson of Team Trek for the first prize of TT$18,000 (US$2,950), Fuji competition road cycle donated by Bike Inn, plus additional cash.

Rodman and Wilson were always in the leading pack and featured in a sprint to the finish line, in the event which began in Siparia in southern Trinidad to Port-of-Spain.

Burst of speed

The Jamaican wheelsman clocked four hours, 34.49 minutes for the 100-mile grind through Penal, Princes Town, Rio Claro and Arima with Wilson returning a time of 4:34.58. Barbadian Phillip Clarke out-sprinted a host of riders for third place in 4:37.18.

Among those unable to match the late burst of speed by Clarke was defending champion Guy Costa of T&T, Jamaican Linford Bloomfield and Guyanese Marlon Williams.

Rodman, Clarke, Wilson and Williams went on an early break and were joined by Bloomfield and Garvin Nero, the 18-year-old who is better known for his ability as a 1500-metre athlete, approaching Princes Town.

Opened lead

After leaving Mayaro on the east coast, Rodman and Wilson went on another two-man break and were never caught.

At one point, the pair had opened up a seven-minute lead on the chasing pack, which was reduced to a little over four at the end.

Nero was edged for the top spot among the juniors by Ziff Johnn but both were credited with the same time of 2:13.07.

On Saturday, Jamaican cyclist O'Neil St. Clair won the third stage beating Guyana's Warren McKay and Jevan Williams, along with defending champion Guy Costa of T&T.