By Ravendra Kishore
Hassan Mohammed, manager and coach of the Guyana cycling team which participated in the sixth Caribbean Gold Cup meet held from July 23-27, said yesterday he was elated with the team’s performance.
According to Mohammed, the four-member cycling team which comprised Juvenile Christopher Holder, Juniors Geron Williams and Enzo Matthews and lone female Naomi Singh had mixed fortunes at the meet held at the Arima Velodrome.
Mohammed said Holder was able to withstand stiff competition from riders from Trinidad and Barbados (some of whom were national cyclists) to cart off the overall Juvenile title at the presentation ceremony on Sunday.
In the keirin sprint, Holder rode away from the pack to capture the first medal for Guyana (a gold) while Williams added to the country’s tally with a bronze.
Holder added a silver in the Individual Pursuit while Matthews further extended the tally with a bronze in the Junior Individual Pursuit.
In a race called the Olympic Sprint, which required three cyclists to form a team, the Guyanese placed third and in the process captured an additional three bronze medals.
In the 48-mile road race for juniors which encompassed five laps around the eight-mile velodrome, Matthews beat compatriot Williams into second place
And, in the final event, the juvenile 32-mile race, Holder made light work of his opponents to claim gold.
Guyana ended with an overall tally of 10 medals which comprised three gold, two silver and five bronze.
According to Mohammed, the lone female, Singh, was injured while practicing on the Velodrome after she was involved in a collision.
She suffered a number of injuries which ruled her out of participating in the Gold Cup.
Mohammed said Singh, who suffered an injury to her chin and bruises to her arms, was subsequently taken to the medical centre where she was referred to the Mount Hope Hospital where a CAT scan was performed which revealed that she did not suffer any major injuries to her head.
Meanwhile, on Sunday, the Arima Wheelers Cycling Club held a one day 19- race meet.
In the Juvenile two-lap race Christopher Holder held off his competitors to ride away with the first place. He also won the open 45 minutes race which saw riders riding for the full time before heading on a two-lap ride.
Holder again excelled this time beating among others Warren McKay, Marlon Williams, Rydon Bacchus and former Trinidad national champion Gene “Geronimo” Samuels. This race attracted over 50 starters and, like the previous one, had cash prizes.
Mohammed said that the team was a disciplined one as they adhered to instructions and conducted themselves well within the circumstances.
Mohammed said that he would like to thank sponsors Ricks and Sari Agro Industries Ltd, Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Pires and family (Clairans), Y. Ishmael and associates tax consultants agency, Windies Sports Bar, National Sports Commission, Universal Auto Parts and General Supplies for making the trip a success.
The Guyana team is expected back in the country today after they encountered flight problems.
