Wilbert Benjamin wins FACC 40-miler

Apr 19, 2017 Sports

Overseas based former national cyclist Wilbert Benjamin showed that he hasn’t lost much

Veteran rider Wilbert Benjamin receives his winning prize from wife of the owner Wanita Kishore as the sponsor, other riders and organisers savour the moment.

since his younger days. Benjamin, the owner of a number of businesses on the Corentyne showed that he is not only a top businessman, but still has it on the cycle.
On Sunday Benjamin rolled back the years to thump the field at take top honours when the Flying Ace Cycling Club in collaboration with the Troy’s Taxi Service, held a 40-mile cycle race on the West Berbice.
The event, which marked the return of cycling on the West Side, was for club cyclists only. Benjamin winning time was 55 minutes as he won in fierce sprint home in a close finish from Balram Narine, with Syborne Fernandes third and Clement Doris fourth.
The cyclists were sent on their way around 09:00 hrs from in front of Troy’s Taxi Service base at Bennet Dam, Rosignol Village by owner Tyrone Ray Kishore and proceeded to Weldaad Police Station before returning to its place of origin.
As the riders were sent on the way there was soon a battle for the lead and by the time they reached Fort Wellington a five man pack broke away from the 17 man field. The leading pack of Benjamin, Narine, Fernandes, Doris and Audrell Ross were never caught as they battled for the lead which changed hands constantly.
On the downward journey it was much of the same until the sprint home with Benjamin who rode a tactical race showing them how it is done.
The female segment was won by Shenika Teixeira, while the top BMX riders were Cameron Yorrick who won from Chinarine Bhowandin. The females and BMX riders rode from Cotton Tree to the finish line.
The Sprint point prizes were shared by Doris with three, Ross two and Fernandes one.
The presentation of the prizes was done immediately after the race by Kishore and his family.
Kishore thanked the cyclists for participating in the event and plans to make it an annual affair. The event was coordinated by coach Randolph Roberts.
Roberts took the opportunity to thank Kishore for sponsoring the event and wished him well in his future endeavors. He also used the opportunity to call on members of the business community to come on board and supports the club in its effort to keep the sport going and youngsters off the road and away from illicit activities. (Samuel Whyte)