Reece continues to blaze trail

Jul 14, 2008 Sports

NEW AMSTERDAM, BERBICE – Berbician racing cyclist 15-year old Neil Reece continues to blaze the trail with another title on Saturday.

The lad completed a 10-mile feat from Number One Road Corentyne to New Amsterdam in 18 minutes, “I have been riding for the Flying Ace Cycle Club for two years and today (Saturday) I was trying to break my own record. I did other ten mile distances in 20 minutes and 18 minutes before.”

Reece, who hails from the Overwinning Village, is also among the best junior riders in Guyana and to date has recorded over 56 wins in his career. “The longest distance I rode was from Corriverton to New Amsterdam in December 2007 and came in first place.”

The cycle race was part of activities to mark the 169th Anniversary of the Guyana Police Force. The race started in front of the home of Contractor Kris Jagdeo and ended at Main and Coburg Street in New Amsterdam.

Tailing his wheels were 18-year old Michael Moore and 12-year old Compton Watts who both finished three minutes later in a time of 22 minutes. A total of 12 cyclists participated in three categories – the Open (over 15), nine to 12 and six to nine.

In second place for the nine to 12 Category was Lindsey Rigby, followed by Elford Deonard and Ravindra Karim.

The six to nine years category race began at the Number Road and finished at Main and Coburg with the older cyclists. They rode for a distance of five miles.

The youngest participants were eight year olds Akeem Rudder and Shameer Karim who blazed to the finish line almost side by side in eight minutes.

According to Coach Randolph Roberts, Reece began his career at the BMX Level (nine to 12), “He was always dedicated and I took him to Trinidad last year where he won gold, silver and two bronze medals.
He was also the Champion for the Caribbean in his category for 2007.”

Next week, Reece is expected to wing out to Trinidad where he will represent Guyana in the Junior Gold Cup Championship, “He also went to Trinidad in April this year where he took part in one of the biggest cycling series – The West Indies versus the World – there he won gold, silver and bronze medals. He is below the age for the junior (category) so he would remain the junior champ until next year January.”

Organizing the event was Assistant Superintendent, Officer-In-Charge Number One Sub-Division of the Guyana Police Force Ian Amsterdam. According to him the trophies and other prizes were donated by members of the Guyana Police Force.