Raymond Newton grabbed seven of the eight prime prizes at stake on his way to a superb victory in the second annual Dr. Cheddi Jagan Memorial 50-mile road race yesterday on the West Bank of Demarara.

Winners of the second annual Dr. Cheddi Jagan Memorial 50-mile cycle road race pose with their trophies. (Orlando Charles photo)

The race, which was sponsored by Sara Johanna Gardens and Friendship Mews, was dominated by Newton, who completed the distance in two hours, three minutes and 43 seconds.

Newton led the contingent of racers for the majority of the race which began at Wales, proceeded to Bushy Park and finished at the Harbour Bridge on the West Bank of Demerara.

Newton, who set the early pace, did not hold back as he pulled away from the field at Vreed-en-Hoop on his way to the finish line and no other cyclist was in sight as the experienced campaigner crossed the finish line.

Minutes later Alonzo Greaves blew by his club mate Warren McKay to snatch second place.

Newton, Greaves and McKay, all members of the Roraima Cycling Club swept the top three positions in the senior category while Junior Niles, who was a split second behind finished fourth.

The other prime prize was won by Darren Allen.

Placing first in the junior meet was Berbician Neil Reece who received a strong challenge from eventual second place finisher Paul DeNobrega.

Jude Bentley blew away the competition to take the Upright event while Naomi Singh rode her way to victory in the ladies’ category.

Virgil Jones dethroned 2009 champion Kennard Lovell in the Veterans’ category while Anthony Fariah won the second Veterans’ event.

Organizer of the event and national cycling coach Hassan Mohamed at the presentation ceremony congratulated the winners and thanked members of the Guyana Police Force for escorting the riders and controlling the traffic during the preceding.

The riders were acknowledged for their participation and encouraged to maintain their discipline throughout upcoming cycling events.