October 04, 2014 (Plymouth, Tobago) – Yondi Schmidt (Wilton-Diftar-AA Drink) overcame wet and windy conditions to take Stage Three of the 28th annual Tobago International Cycle Classic in Plymouth earlier today (Friday October 2). The Dutch rider prevailed in the Division One International 30 -lap Criterium in 50 minutes 18.34 seconds (50:18.34) which was reduced from 50 laps due to heavy rains at the start. He also denied home-town hope Emile Abraham (Incycle Predator) a victory. Abraham took the runner up spot (50:19.92) ahead of Canadian Jean Michel Le Chance (Incycle Predator) with a time of 50:36.29.
Schimdt made his intention early leading in the first two laps as Abraham took over at the third. The top three along with Schmidt’s compatriot and Wilton-Diftar teammate Stopler Nick and overall leader Winston David (USA/Incycle Predator) broke away from the bunch and all seemed to take turns leading the race. However, Schmidt pushed the pace approaching the midway stage as he held the pole position at the conclusion of the 13th 14th, and 16th loops. But Lachance showed he was a threat taking the 5th, 7th, 10th, 12th and 15th laps. Abraham was not willing to let the foreigners have their way on his home turf as he took the third, 18th and 21st laps.
The riders had to contend with rain into the fifth lap of the circuit and took the corners with caution on the slippery roads. With just over 10 laps remaining Lachance made his bid for glory finishing in front of his rivals at the end of he 19th, 20th, 21st and 22nd laps but Schmidt and Abraham were looming just behind. Lachance surged again with six laps remaining leading Abraham and Schmidt in the remaining laps up to the final circuit.
However, the chasing duo had other plans. Schmidt rounded the final bend at the Plymouth Recreation Grounds and zoomed past the Mysterious Tombstone to claim his first victory of the tour raising his hand in victory as he crossed the finish line located just past the St. David Anglican Primary School. Abraham got by Lachance but could not catch the winner. He also finished ahead of the yellow jersey wearer David.
The American David took the Sprint Preems with 147 points ahead of Lachance (137), Abraham (93) and Patrik Moren of Sweden/Team Argon 18 (67). Juan Pimentel (Team Foundation) of the Dominican Republic took the Division Two 20 lap race ahead of Mads Anderson (Denmark/PSL& Well Services) and Amiri Alexander (USA/Mikes Bikes). Rain also had an impact on the race and the heavens opened up with six laps left with the drizzles turning to down pour.
Schmidt and Abraham will meet again the finals of the Fast and Furious 1KM Road Keirin Sprint which will be contested on Saturday in Scarborough. In the heats which were contested in Plymouth Schmidt took heat one ahead of Sanchez Tavera (Dom Republic/Team Foundation), Darren Matthews (Barbados/Team Coco) and Michael Olheiser (USA/Sportful Bodyfit Pro). Abraham was third behind Colombian Camilio Ulloa (Team Coco) and Dominik Merseburg (Germany/Biketempel). Adam Alexander (T&T/Team Foundation securing heat three.
On Saturday, the second leg of the Kid’s Cycling Festival will be the first event on the schedule at the Market Square on Wilson Road Scarborough. The Fast and Furious 1KM Road Keirin Sprint Finals and the Market Square Criterium will follow. In the Criterium the Division One riders will race over 60 laps (60km) while the Division Two 25 laps (25km) and Division Three 5 laps (5km)
Results
1. Yondi Schmidt (Ned) Wilton-Diftar-AA Drink 50:18.334
2. Emile Abraham (Tri) Incycle Predator 50:19.384
3. Jean Michel Le Chance (Can) Incycle Predator 50:19.910
4. Nick Stopler (Ned) Wilton-Diftar-AA Drink 50:36.281
5. Winston David (USA) Incycle Predator 50:41.952
DNF Trevor Connor (Can) Team Rio Grande Cycling
DNF Anton Varabei (Can) Team Rio Grande Cycling
DNF Kevin Lynch (Can) Team Rio Grande Cycling
GC after Stage 3
1. Winston David (USA) Incycle Predator 82 points
2. Patrik Moren (Swe) Team Argon 18 Scandinavia 65
3. Emile Abraham (Tri) Incycle Predator 55
4. Jean Michel Lachance (Can) Incycle Predator 48
5. Yondi Schmidt (Ned) Wilton-Diftar-AA Drink 41
24. Anton Varabei (Can) Team Rio Grande Cycling 10
38. Trevor Connor (Can) Team Rio Grande Cycling 2
73. Kevin Lynch (Can) Team Rio Grande Cycling 0