Berbician, Romello Crawford brought his talents to the city Saturday and sprinted to victory in the feature 35-lap event of the R&R International multi-race programme at the National Park.
After sitting out the season opener two weeks ago, the Trojan PSL standout won the second event of 2019 in a thrilling three-man sprint, besting breakaway mates, Andre ‘Padlock’ Green and Michael Anthony in an exciting finish.
The 20 year-old took the winner’s trophy along with two sprint prizes after stopping the clock in a brisk one hour, 18 minutes and nine seconds in perfect conditions for racing.
National Road Race Champion, Curtis Dey, Geron Williams and Paul DeNobrega filled out the top six rewarding positions.
In the 28th edition of the event, the strong top three got away from the 15th lap and never relinquished their lead.
At the 28th lap, their advantage had ballooned to 15 seconds on the rest of the 28 starters.
With the lead intact, the top three were all but assured of taking home the top rewarding trophies on offer as they rode as a team to stave off the valiant chasers.
Anthony who enjoyed late season form in 2018, seemingly had the freshest legs on the circuit and relentlessly attacked his breakaway mates in the final five laps. But Green and Crawford weathered Anthony’s storm and managed to keep him in check. At the bell lap, the top three were still together separated by inches.
This however changed with about 300m to go when Crawford changed gears, rose from his saddle and barreled to the line. He was quickly pursued by Green and Anthony but he had enough left in the tank to hold off their spirited challenges to win his first signature event at the Mecca of local cycling.
Crawford in an invited comment stated that he had a great off season and the results will be fully displayed as the year progresses. He noted that in 2019, he will be looking to cement his place on the national team.
Other winners yesterday included: Nehum Rigby (BMX Boys 6-9 & BMX Boys 9-12), Jaheim Henry (Juveniles), Jaheim Henry (BMX Boys and Girls 12-14), Jaikarran Suhkai (U-50) and Kennard Lovell (O-50) and Ozia McAuley.
Notes: Crawford will look to continue his winning ways when the next cycling event, the R&R International 40-mile road race is staged today from 08:30hrs at West Demerara.
