Reece scores biggest win of cycling career

— bests star-studded field to win Flying Stars 75-mile event

Berbician Neil Reece yesterday recorded the biggest victory of his career when he shocked a star-studded field to win the Flying Stars Cycle Club Kader Mohamed 75-mile cycle road race yesterday.

The event, which commenced outside the Ministry of Housing building on Homestretch Avenue, and which saw the cyclists proceeding to Long Creek on the Linden /Soesdyke Highway before returning to the starting point for the finish, was won by Reece in three hours, nine minutes and 29 seconds.

Second place went to Alonzo Greaves while Paul De Nobrega was third. Raul Leal, Raynauth Jeffrey and Michael Anthony rounded out the top six places.

Neil Reece

Jude Bentley, Eric Sankar, Eon Jackson and 18year-old Hakeem Wilkinson rounded out the top 10 finishers all of whom received prizes. There were also eight prime prizes four of which went to Greaves, three to Reece and one to De Nobrega.

After the race began, Reece, Greaves, De Nobrega and Leal broke away on the upward journey while three more riders in the form of Jeffrey, Bentley and Anthony broke away from a group of eight riders on the highway.

However, they were unable to catch the first breakaway group and the four riders entered the homestretch together before Reece prevailed in the sprint finish.

Reece’e coach Randolph Roberts was elated with his charge’s victory especially after the young cyclist only recently returned to the sport after taking a hiatus.

According to Roberts who is also the coach of the Flying Ace Cycle Club, Reece’s victory was a shot in the arm for the sport in Berbice pointing out that this week the club will be well represented at the 25-lap event around the outer circuit of the National Park.

“We are proud of his performance, “Roberts told Stabroek Sport in an invited comment yesterday.

He added that Reece’s performance vindicated the faith put in him by his sponsors A. Ally and Sons Limited of Main Streets, New Amsterdam.

Randolph Roberts

“I would like him to maintain this level of discipline which could only results in similar performances such as this one,” Roberts said adding that president of the Flying Ace Cycle Club, John Lewis had also congratulated the youngster on his victory.

Jackson was the winner of the 45 years and under category with Junior Niles placing second and Curtis Williams third while in the 55 years and under category, Shameer Baksh was the winner from Kennard Lovell and Raymond `Steeley’ Newton respectively.