Latest update March 28th, 2024 12:59 AM
Mar 03, 2014 Sports
By Franklin Wilson
Team Coco’s junior sensation, Michael Anthony, has continued his excellent riding this season with another classical display when he pedaled to victory in the 6th Cheddi Jagan Memorial Cycle Road Race, West Demerara leg yesterday.
Watched by Chairman of the Cheddi Jagan Memorial Organising Committee Mr. Navin Chandrapal, Member of Parliament Ms. Bibi Shadick, Director of Sport Neil Kumar and representatives of the sponsors Jiffi Auto Sales and Spares of Church Street, Anthony shaved off two minutes from last year’s winning time, stopping the clock at One Hour 54 Minutes 32.05 Seconds.
It was a ding dong battle to the finish line but the young Lindener had enough gas in his tank to out pedal Alonzo Greaves, Paul De Nobrega, last year’s winner Robin Persaud, Delroy Hinds and Hamza Eastman in that order to complete the top six.
The West Demerara turf is turning out to be rewarding hunting grounds for Anthony who also took the double in the 23rd R&R International Road Race on February 8th, he has improved his billing from last year’s Cheddi Jagan race on the said route when he won the junior title.
Forty-one riders faced starter’s orders at the Demerara Harbour Bridge before proceeding to Bushy Park on the East Bank of Essequibo, returning to the starting line for the finish.
There was no clear cut advantage established on the upward journey but coming down, there was a breakaway by Anthony, Paul Choo Wee-Nam, Warren Mc Kay, Stephen Fernandes (suffered a puncture at Crane), Robin Persaud, Chris Persaud, Marlon Williams, Orville and Delroy Hinds, Junior Niles and Greaves.
This group had established a 30 second lead on the quartet of Raynauth Jeffrey, Christopher Holder, Paul De Nobrega and Stephano Husbands. Holder and Husbands were eventually dropped at the Crane turn, but consistent riding from De Nobrega and Jeffrey and not so consistent pedaling from the leaders allowed De Nobrega to connect, earning third place.
Niles, Orville Hinds and Eastman took two prime prizes each, Marlon Williams and Delroy Hinds collected one apiece. Stephano Husbands was the second junior to finish followed by Silvio Inniss while Toshawanna Doris was the top female.
Michael Holder emerged the top cyclist in the mountain bike category, Wayne Nurse and Michael Jacobs were second and third respectively. On the veteran side of the divide, Davendra Ramnarine took the top spot from Talim Shaw and Kennard Lovell in that order.
Anthony ‘Uncle Joe’ Fariah was rewarded for being the oldest cyclist to finish the race which saw the females, veterans and mountain bikers turning back at Uitvlugt.
Chairman of the Cheddi Jagan Memorial Organising Committee, Navin Chandrapal, in remarks before the presentation, expressed profound gratitude to the competitors noting that sports goes hand in hand with education and culture.
These pillars he said were always embraced by former President Cheddi Jagan in whose memory the event is held. Chandrapal also noted that sport is a unifying force, reminding that Jagan was an avid supporter and enthusiast.
Race organizer, National Coach Hassan Mohamed and his team came in for high praise from Chandrapal for his consistency and hard work, while members of the Guyana Police Force were also complimented for doing a professional job once again.
Member of Parliament, Ms. Bibi Shadick in her remarks was also complimentary of the riders pointing out that she admired their ‘commitment’ to the sport which is something that is very good for the kids to follow.
Ms. Shadick told the riders that they are considered family given the fact that the sport has been used in memory of one of Guyana’s greatest Hero’s, Cheddi Jagan.
Mr. Sase Gunraj, who spoke on behalf of the sponsors, noted that they are pleased to be associated with the event even at short notice, positing that sports and youth are vital for the development of Guyana.
He promised that they will continue to sponsors many more cycling and civic events as their way of giving back to the society and empowering youths. Assisting with eth presentation of trophies were little Amir and Raienah Shadick.
The Late President Cheddi Jagan was called to higher service on March 16, seventeen years ago. Yesterday’s race was the first of a three race series, the second is set for the Ancient County of Berbice this Sunday, while the third event is slated for the Essequibo Coast on March 23rd.
THIS IDIOT TELLING GUYANA WE HAVE NO SAY IN THE 50% PROFIT SHARING AGREEMENT WE HAVE WITH EXXON.
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