Jamaican Marlo Rodman (PSL) claimed his first Tobago International Cycling Class Stage title after the fourth and final stage at Wilson Road, Scarborough, yesterday.
Rodman entered the final stage as the leader knowing that a top three finish in the 60-lap criterium around the Scarborough Market was enough to secure him the trophy. Rodman, 27, crossed the line in third behind stage one winner Norlandy Sanchez (Dominican Republic/Team Foundation) and 2012 Classic winner Darren Matthews (Barbados/Team Coco).
Rodman sat in the main bunch of the race as nobody dominated the race with the lead changing hands numerous times. His PSL team-captain Nick Stopler took the lead with two laps remaining and was ahead at the penultimate loop before Sanchez came through to win in a close finish ahead of Matthews and Rodman. After the victory, there was an anxious wait as the judges calculated the overall standings. Initially, Sanchez was announced as the overall winner but the officials made the correction moments later.
A relieved Rodman said he was happy with the victory. "This win is a big one. I won several races before, some in the USA but this one is a special thing because when I was away (competing overseas) I did not ride for team."
He praised his teammates. "Coming here and riding here for Team PSL it is motivating so it gives me more energy and courage to ride. Many guys were depending on me so I had to do what I had to do. I want to thank my team-mates. They did a good job. Without them I would not have been in this yellow jersey today." For his efforts Rodman collected $10,000.
Tyler Cole (T&T/Team Foundation) secured the overall crown in division two with his third place finish in the 20-lap race, following Dutch rider Jasper Kiburg (Team Foundation) and Nicholas Paul (T&T/Breakaway) who were first and second respectively. Official final placings and times were released late yesterday by officials of the T&T Cycling Federation.
The Tobago International Cycling Classic will culminate today with the UCI 1.2 Tour of Tobago which pedals off at 7:30 am at the Scarborough Esplanade.
Last year, Oscar Mauricio Pachon Melo (Colombia/Team Coco) finished ahead of Adderlyn Felix Cruz Colon (Dominican Republic/Team Foundation). Colon has showed some form at this year's edition and will be looking to finish on top. However, 2013 champion Matthews and members of the Venezuelan teams are also among the contenders.