Cuban cyclist leads Tobago Classic

FRANZ TRAVIESO of Cuba, who is part of the American-based Team Toshiba, is the leader after yesterday’s initial stage of the 2003 Tobago Cycling Classic. And defending champ and hometown hero Emile Abraham placed ninth in the five-lap circuit race, sponsored by Polar Ice Beer, under overcast conditions. Over 100 cyclists were at the starting point for  the 120-kilometre grind from Crown Point to Milford Road, through Shirvan Road, Mount Irvine, Plymouth Road to the Claude Noel Highway and back to Crown Point.

In the end, Travieso outsprinted a group of four which included Canadian Joe Giuiliano of Midweek Cycle Club, Austrian Harold Berger of Team Scott-Lattelle, American Eric Murphy of Team Toshiba and Martiniquan Ragot Olivier  in a tense finish, crossing the line in a time of three hours, ten minutes and 56 seconds. Travieso collected 30 bonus points for the win, with Giuiliano taking an extra 20 points and Berger an additional ten. Abraham overtook countryman Stephen Mangroo for  ninth spot, in three hours, 13 minutes, 20.61 seconds, with the Guyanese-born Mangroo clocking the same time. Two stages will be held today, with Newsday sponsoring the second phase, the individual time trial over 18 km, which wheels off at 7 am from John Dial Hill and concludes at Mt Irvine Beach. Stage three, a 20-lap circuit race over a distance of 140 km will commence at 1.30 pm with the riders racing around the Milford district.