Colombian Matteo Garcia sweeps Independence Three-Stage Cycle Road Race

Colombian Matteo Garcia delivered a sublime performance at the 42nd National Sports Commission’s Independence Three-Stage Cycle Race, completing a rare clean sweep of all three stages to claim the overall title emphatically.

Garcia was simply in a class of his own over approximately 160 miles of racing.

He demonstrated a devastating mix of speed and endurance that left his rivals trailing.

His flawless execution over the three days culminated in a dominant general classification victory with a combined time of six hours, 18 minutes, and 47 seconds (6:18:47s).

This commanding performance earned him the coveted winner’s crown and a purse of G$160,000.

Further underscoring Garcia’s supremacy was the performance of his Team Raiders teammate, Jadian Neaves.

The Trinidadian rider secured the second spot overall, finishing over five minutes adrift with a total time of 6:24:00s, highlighting the strength of the Team Raiders contingent.

Guyanese rider Robin Persaud, competing in the Masters (35-50) category, showed remarkable consistency to secure a commendable third place in the general classification, clocking in at 6:29:29s.

Aaron Newton, Adam Alexander, and Paul DeNobrega rounded out the top six in the overall standings.

Garcia’s clean sweep remarkably mirrors the achievement of Guyana’s own Briton John in the 2024 edition of the race.

John, who did not participate this year, had also won all three stages on his way to the title.

The final stage, a challenging circuit race in Providence covering approximately 55 miles, saw Garcia once again cross the line first.

He stopped the clock at 2:16:43.00s, finishing 27.07 seconds ahead of Janian Neaves.

Continental Cycling’s Paul DeNobrega secured third place on the stage at 2:25:05.00.

Alex Newton of KFC Evolution emerged victorious in the Junior category, narrowly edging out Alexander Leung of Continental Cycling.

Newton’s winning time over the three stages was 6:34:31s, just two seconds faster than Leung’s 6:34:33s in a tightly contested junior race.

Stage by Stage Recap:

The tone for Garcia’s dominance was set in the opening 45-mile stage from Corriverton to New Amsterdam.

He won in one hour, 41 minutes, and 28 seconds (1:41:28s).

Local favourite Aaron Newton (KFC Evolution) pushed him hard all the way, finishing a mere three seconds behind in a thrilling sprint finish, recording a time of 1:41.31.

Adam Alexander, also representing Team Raiders, secured third place in 1:42.17.

Curtis Dey, Robin Persaud, and Jadian Neaves completed the top six in the stage.

Garcia continued his imperious form in the second stage, a demanding 62-mile journey from D’Edward Village to Liliendaal. He once again proved too strong for his rivals, crossing the finish line in two hours, twenty minutes, and 36 seconds (2:20:36s).

Robin Persaud finished second in this stage, demonstrating his enduring class, four seconds behind Garcia in 2:20:40.

The event, solely organised by the National Sports Commission, was lauded by the Director of Sport, Steve Ninvalle.

He applauded the cyclists’ performances and reiterated the NSC’s commitment to supporting the sport’s progression in Guyana.

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