Cutting elated with Independence 3-Stage victory

The next generation of Guyana’s cycling talent showed up and showed out over the weekend, with 19-year-old Ajani Cutting claiming his first Independence 3-Stage title over a field of experienced competitors.
The teenager clocked a combined time of 6:58:46.88 across the three stages to beat out fellow youngsters Alexander Leung of Continental and Team Velocity’s Mark Lewis for the top of the podium.
In the aftermath of what was a thrilling conclusion to the race, the Kaieteur Attack Racing rider revealed that the win was a late birthday present to himself.
“It feels extremely well,” the new 3-Stage champion expressed, “Last week was my birthday, so, I saw this as a birthday present in totality. For the previous years I’ve been racing, two to three, I participated in this race and didn’t really get to execute where I wanted to, but since I’m maturing every day, I saw this time to take advantage of the entire race.”

Quizzed about the new route for the annual 3-Stage race, Cutting shared his appreciation for the new route, highlighting some of its welcomed challenges.
“First and foremost, the first two stages were quite nice, because Mabura was actually a really good race and for the second stage as well and the third stage. Basically, I like how they reflected the 60th Independence, magnificent one. It was a great route and I really enjoyed it,” he explained.
Cutting continued, “The second stage was nice, because since we had the second race on the first day, a lot of persons were succumbing to injuries with the hills. And with that said, majority of the races outside of the country is basically high altitude and that prepares me for the future.”
Looking ahead at the remainder of the year, the teenager is eyeing several international competitions, noting that confidence would be key to his success.
“I’m actually preparing for races outside the country and the [National] Championship. I’m always confident, even though when I win, I win; even if I lose, I still win. So, I’m always confident, without a doubt,” Cutting told media operatives following the race.
This has been Cutting’s second big win of his Elite career, as he won the Beacon Road Race earlier this year.