Persaud looking to defend R&R title

The crème de le crème of Guyana’s cyclists will take their talents to West Demerara tomorrow to compete in the 22nd annual R&R International 40-mile road race.

The race will pedal off at 09:00hrs on the western end of the Demerara Harbour Bridge; proceed to Bushy Park, Parika, before returning to the point of origin for the finish.

According to national coach and organizer of the event, Hassan Mohamed, the race is open to senior, junior, veteran and female riders.

In the senior category, last year’s most successful cyclist, Robin Persaud who recorded 15 wins, will look to defend his title, having won last year’s event in a time of one hour, 45 minutes, 16 seconds (01h: 45m: 16s).

Persaud will be up against the likes of national rider Alonzo Greaves, who has been in impeccable form this year and other national cyclists Geron Williams, Marlon Willams, Paul DeNobrega, Raynauth Jeffrey, Walter Grant-Stuart, Orville Hinds and Rastaff O’Selmo and others.

Robin Persaud
Robin Persaud

A new champion will emerge in the junior division, since 2012 winner DeNobrega has graduated to the senior category. Talim Shaw is the defending champion of the veteran’s race.

The race will be sponsored by former cyclist and Managing Director of R&R International, Jacob Rambarran who is expected to be on hand to assist in the presentation of prizes to the top performers.

Meanwhile, Sunday’s race will serve as a warm-up for the 16th annual Cheddi Jagan memorial road race on March 3 in East Berbice.

The race, sponsored by BK International, will start at New Amsterdam at 09:00 hours; proceed to Number 55 Village, Corentyne, before returning to Port Mourant for the finish.