Briton John claimed another major local cycling victory on Sunday, but Robin Persaud also enjoyed a productive morning by securing two podium finishes in the AC Marriott Carlton Wheelers Cycling Club Road Race.
John (We Stand United Cycle Club), Guyana’s leading cyclist in recent years, rode to the top prize in the Open race after eight laps of a demanding circuit. Persaud finished second overall for AC Marriott Carlton Wheelers before returning to win the Masters 35-and-over division.
The event attracted a large turnout of cyclists and started around 7:40 a.m. outside AC Marriott. Riders travelled north to the Ogle Airport stoplight before heading south to the U-turn along the Ogle-to-East Bank bypass road and returning to the starting area.
Alex Mendes of Kaieteur Attack Racing Cycle Club (KARCC) finished third in the Open race and later took second behind Persaud in the Masters division. KFC Evolution’s Segun Hubbard was fourth overall and third among the Masters.
Andre Green of Kaieteur Attack Racing Cycle Club secured fifth in the Open contest, while KFC Evolution’s Aaron Newton completed the top six.
The women’s division was controlled by KARCC, with Tandeia Noel winning the two-lap contest ahead of teammate Rebecca Damon.
Alexander Leung of Continental Cycle Club topped the junior category, while Flying Stars rider Ian Jackson won the four-lap Masters 50-and-over race. Nigel London of WSU placed second and KFC Evolution’s Mark Spencer finished third.
Kaieteur Attack Racing Cycle Club also collected two podium positions in Category Four. Julio Melville won the eight-lap contest, Collis Williams of AC Marriott Carlton Wheelers placed second and Kevin Edwards finished third.
Competitors raced for a total prize purse of $376,000. The six Open places carried prizes ranging from $40,000 for the winner to $15,000 for sixth place.
The Category Four and junior winners each earned $20,000, while the leading Masters 50-and-over rider collected $15,000. The female winner received $10,000.
Another $21,000 was available through six sprint primes valued at $3,500 each.
A special mention was also made of veteran cyclist Monty Parris, who continues to compete at over 75 years old. His participation highlighted his remarkable longevity, dedication and continued passion for cycling.
The race was sponsored by AC Marriott, which also serves as the official sponsor of Carlton Wheelers Cycling Club.
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