Marcus Keiler made the first major move of the Guyana Cycling Federation’s National Championships yesterday morning, edging defending champion Aaron Newton in a tight finish to win the National Time Trials at the inner circuit of the National Park.
On an overcast morning that provided favourable racing conditions, Guyana’s leading cyclists switched from bunch racing to the solo discipline of the time trial, where every second mattered. Keiler, representing KFC Evolution Cycle Club, made those seconds count as he stopped the clock at 22 minutes, 10 seconds to claim both the Overall and Elite titles.
Newton, last year’s winner and Keiler’s KFC Evolution teammate, finished second overall in 22:10.6, missing out on the main crown by a slim margin. However, he still left the National Park with silverware after retaining his Under-23 title.
Andre Greene completed the Elite podium and placed third overall with a time of 22:25, while Mark Lewis was fourth overall in 22:27. Christopher Griffith followed in 22:34, ahead of Geron Williams, who clocked 22:45. Sidwell Sandy placed seventh in 22:52, with Ajani Cutting eighth in 22:53.
In the Under-23 category, Newton again proved the class of the field, finishing ahead of Lewis, Sandy and Cutting. In the Elite division, Keiler led the way, Newton was second, and Greene rounded out the top three.
Alexander Leung continued his strong showing in the junior ranks by repeating as Junior champion. Alex Newton finished second in that category. In the Ladies Junior division, Tandeia Noel took the top spot, while Denise Jeffrey won the Ladies Elite category with a time of 12:56.
The Masters divisions also formed part of Sunday’s programme. Nigel London won the Masters 50+ category, with Shurland Sue-Hoeng finishing second. In the Masters 35+ division, Segun Hubbard secured first place, ahead of Robin Persaud and Kristian Jeffrey.
Sunday’s time trials opened the GCF National Championships, with attention now turning to the road race championship on June 21. That event will be held along the Linden Junction-Kairuni-Linden Junction route, with the circuit measuring 26 miles per lap.
The Female category will cover one lap for a total of 26 miles, while juveniles will ride one and a half laps, amounting to 39 miles, with a designated turn-back point on the course. Juniors, Masters 35+ and Masters 50+ riders will each complete two laps for 52 miles.
The feature Elite and Under-23 categories will face the longest assignment, covering four laps for a total distance of 104 miles. That race is expected to provide the sternest test of the championships.
Racing on June 21 will begin with the Female category at 08:30h. Juveniles and Juniors will start at 09:00h, followed by Masters 35+ competitors at 09:30h. The Elite and Under-23 cyclists will roll off at 11:00h.
Registration is set at $3000.
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