In an extraordinary display of speed and stamina, Team Alanis’ Paul DeNobrega took the spoils of the third annual Grenville Felix Memorial 50-mile road race with a wire to wire win yesterday in Berbice.
DeNobrega who never trailed in the event which rolled off at Canje, proceeded to the NO.35 Village and returned to the point of origin for the finish, took pole position in a brisk two hours, one minute and 47 seconds in a thrilling two-man sprint finish ahead of Michael Anthony (Team Gillette Evolution).
Anthony’s club mate Raul Leal completed the podium while Stephano Husbands (Team Coco’s), Orville Hinds (TGE) and Shaquel Agard filled out the top six paid positions.
Besides the winner’s trophy, DeNobrega also pocketed two sprint prizes, as did Anthony, Leal and Husbands.
The Flying Ace Cycle Club organized event started off at a fast clip with the 26 starters jostling for the lead.
On the upward journey at on the NO.19 road however the peloton was split in two as a strong 13-man break which included the top four finishers was established.
At Alness, DeNobrega was part of a four-man break that tried to stage a getaway but the Team Coco’s duo of Mark Harris and Husbands, Akeem Wilkinson and Leal soon joined them at Cromarty.
The eight strong unit then rode in tandem to separate themselves from the chase pack. But Hinds and Agard throttled over and joined the party on the downward journey at Adventure.
Then at Belevedere, the top four riders staged an escape and were never caught despite the efforts of the peloton.
Team work was on full display as with very mile that passed and every powerful turn of their pedals, the leaders 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.
Husbands rolled up the sprint, Anthony and the others pursued but DeNobrega had enough left in the tank and powered across the line a bike length ahead of Anthony for his third victory of the season.
Quick Results
Seniors
Paul DeNobrega 2:01:47
Michael Anthony
Raul Leal
Stephano Husbands
Orville Hinds
Shaquel Agard
Juniors
Jamal John
Raphael Leung
Romello Crawford
Veterans
Junior Niles
Stephen Fernandes
Jaikarran Sukhai
First Berbician cyclist
Wasim Hasnoo
Females
Marica Dick
Christine Matthias
Toshwanna Doris
