Norfolk leads ‘World’ victory ride in Beacon

England’s John Norfolk pedalled to victory in Friday night’s gruelling race ahead of local road race king Emile Abraham in a time of 13 minutes 17.15 seconds.

The stocky Abraham had to settle for the runner-up position this time for the regional team, while another West Indian rider Yosmany Poll of Cuba finished third. American cyclist Mike Friedman hoping for a good result after the opening event at the Queen’s Park Savannah on Wednesday, could only manage fourth.

The international cyclists also dominated the sprints, on a day the regional riders had to settle for second overall.

In a one-lap sprint to the finish, German Mathias John outclassed all to return a time of 28.70 seconds, for the win.

Ben Barcezwski of the USA was a close second, while the ever dangerous Sebastien Donadio of Argentina claimed third, with Cuban Poll fourth for the West Indies team.

Venezuelan Antonio Medina, who finished third at the gruelling 14-lap race on Wednesday night, returned a much better finish this time around when he disposed of a large field to triumph in the Madson 15-Laps event along with his countryman Jose Aquilar.

The team of Friedman and Jan Van Eigden of Germany were runners-up, and were followed by Argentines Donadio and Jorge Ruschansky.

James McCallum and Norfolk of Great Britain were a close fourth.

Van Eigden also walked away with the Elimination Devil Take the Hindmost event on the night, but only after he faced a big test from Abraham and company.

He showed his class in the event, while the powerful Abraham followed closely behind for second.

Donadio was third while McCallum finished fourth with another sterling performance.

Van Eigden’s triumph in the Devil was followed by another splendid performance in the ten-lap for international cyclists.

The German was timed in five minutes 01.02 seconds, well ahead of Donadio who himself had produced an impressive performance in the race, but could only get the runner-up spot.

Aquilar was third place and he was followed home by Scotland’s Craig McLean. The action shifts to the Arima Municipal Stadium velodrome today.