In an extraordinary display of speed and stamina, Team Alanis’ Paul DeNobrega took the spoils of the 5th annual CARICOM 50-mile road race with a wire-to-wire win yesterday at West Demerara.
DeNobrega who never trailed in the event which rolled off at Wales, proceeded to Bushy Park and ended at Schoonord, took pole position in a brisk one hour, 52 minutes and 56 seconds.
More than two minutes superior to last year’s winning time (1:55:04) recorded by yesterday’s second place finisher, Robin Persaud.
Marlon ‘Fishy’ Williams completed the podium while Michael Anthony, Mark Harris and a resurgent Enzo Matthews filled out the top six positions.
Williams and Matthews however pocketed two sprint prizes each while one apiece went to DeNobrega, Persaud, Anthony and Raymond Newton.
The Seven Seas and Dr. Chase’s Joint Care-sponsored road race started off at a fast clip with the 42 starters jostling for the lead.
On the upward journey at the Vreed-en-Hoop junction however the top six riders broke away from the rest of the peloton.
The strong six-man unit then worked in tandem to separate themselves from the chase packs.
Team work was on full display as with every mile that passed and every powerful turn of their pedals, the leader’s advantage continued to balloon despite the valiant efforts of the riders in pursuit.
But team riding would expectedly be thrown out the window.
With about 300m from the end and the finish line in sight, a fierce sprint to the line ensued.
Harris rolled up the sprint, Anthony and the others pursued but DeNobrega had enough left in the tank and powered across the line for victory.
(Emmerson Campbell)
Quick Results
Seniors
Paul DeNobrega 1:52:56
Robin Persaud
Marlon Williams
Michael Anthony
Mark Harris
Enzo Matthews
Juniors
Michael Anthony
Raul Leal
Alonzo Ambrose
Mountain Bikes
Ozia McAlley
Emmanuel Gayraul
Julio Melville
Veterans
Wasim Hasnoo
Ralph Williams
Shameer Baksh
Veteran 0-60 Years
Monty Parris
Females
Toshwanna Doris
