Team Roraima’s Alanzo Greaves put on an extraordinary display of speed and stamina to emerge winner of the second leg of the 17th annual Cheddi Jagan Memorial road race yesterday.
In the searing 88 degree heat, Greaves set the open roads of Berbice ablaze as he sprinted to victory ahead of Team Alanis’ Paul DeNobrega in a thrilling photo finish.
For the 55-mile event which pedaled off in New Amsterdam, proceeded to no. 55 village and returned to Port Mourant for the finish, the national cyclist stopped the clock at two hours`, 17 minutes and three seconds.
Team Coco’s Junior Niles completed the podium while Orville Hinds (Team United), Geron Williams (Continental), and Delroy Hinds (Team United) placed fourth, fifth and sixth respectively.
It was Greaves’ second win of the season.
The 25-year old also carted off two sprint prizes.
Two sprint prizes each also went to Delroy Hinds and Godfrey Pollydore while one apiece went to defending champion, Raynauth Jeffrey and Hamza Eastman.
In the initial stages of the race, the 60 starters were all jostling for the advantage but last year’s most successful cyclist (Greaves), Jeffrey and Pollydore were the wheelsmen to succeed.
By Fyrish the lead ballooned to 40 seconds with every powerful turn of the lead trio’s pedals despite the valiant efforts of the chase peloton.
At port Mourant it’s was 47 seconds.
However the chasers led by Geron Williams, Marlon Williams and others changed gears and began to close the gap.
Eventually, the leaders were caught about a mile before the turn back point and the riders were bunch together again.
Greaves who never trailed, caught a second wind and went on a solo attack soon after.
Jeffrey pursued and so did
Delroy Hinds and Geron Williams.
These four riders rode in unison and created separation from their rivals but were eventually caught about a half mile from the finish.
At this point, the race became quite exciting as a series of solo attacks ensued.
Robin Persaud was the last to jump, Greaves and DeNobrega were lurking and then a fierce bunch sprint started.
At 100m from the line, DeNobrega had a slight advantage and was closing in on victory but Greaves who had displayed tremendous staying power during the trek used his superior sprinting ability to edge out the surging Team Alanis standout.
“I felt good today” said Greaves who won 22 races last year. “My form is coming and hopefully I continue to win.” Greaves who placed second in the first leg also mentioned that he is looking forward to winning the final segment on March 23.
Alonzo Ambrose (junior), Thuran Harris (veteran), Naomi Singh (female) and Clyde Jacobs (Mountain Bike) were also winners in their respective categories.
At the prize giving ceremony which was held at the Jagan Memorial Memorial Monument at Babu John, Port Mourant, organizer of the race, Hassan Mohamed thanked the sponsors, the cyclists and the media for covering the event. He also said that road races in the month of March will be dedicated to the former president.
Notes: After the race, congratulatory remarks were made by Minister of Sport, Dr. Frank Anthony, General Secretary of the PPP, Clement Rohee and others. The final leg will be staged in Essequibo. The first leg was held at West Demerara, it was won by Team Coco’s Michael Anthony.
Jeffrey, last year’s overall winner was also presented with his champion’s trophy yesterday. (Emmerson Campbell)
