Abraham big threat in classic

And this country’s road race king Emile Abraham and his Team Angostura could well pose the biggest threat when the five-stage event pedals off with a 20-kilometre individual time trial race from Bacolet to Crown Point.

Abraham will have with him the in-form Elijah Greene, winner of the recent National Criterium Cycling Championship, as well as three top riders from the United States of America.

According to race organiser Jeff Charles yesterday, Abraham’s seven-man team will be completed by a Canadian rider and a Serbian cyclist who are expected to sweep all before them.

But all eyes will also be on the German cyclists who will be fielding two teams who participated in this year’s Tour de France.

A new champion will be crowned as defending champion John Leiswyn of the United States of America and a number of top cyclists who participated last year will not be participating.  

The Austrians, known for their climbing abilities, are also expected to pose a challenge especially since one of their riders is reported to have taken part in the Tour de Italy.

Top Martiniquan cyclist Herve Arcade, considered one of the favourites for the Tobago Classic is already in the sister-isle to face the starter today.

Pedal pushers from Scotland, Netherlands as well as several top regional cyclists will also face the starter this morning. Among them are Olympic medalist Barry Forde of Barbados and cyclists from Jamaica, Guyana, St Lucia and Grenada.

The race begins at 6 am and is expected to finish at 9.30 am.

Trinidad and Tobago will also be represented by Chris Gill, Guy Costa who will team up with US cyclists Dennis Guikema and Jamiel Danesh; and Scotland’s Nick Giles and Damian Kurzawiniski.

Stephen Mangroo will also attempt to fly the Trinidad and Tobago flag high along with the Alexander brothers, Joshua and Adam.