“Saddle up for another demanding year cyclists” – Hassan Mohamed

Jan 07, 2009 Sports

Renews call for Cycling TrackBy Franklin Wilson
At the beginning of 2008 National Cycling Coach Hassan Mohamed M.S. had promised that riders would have had a hectic year in the sport and he delivered. With 2009 just a matter of days old, Mohamed is challenging riders to prepare for a demanding 2009.

In reviewing 2008 and being very optimistic for what 2009 has in store, Mohamed said the past year was a success but 2009 will be even better since he has been able to secure commitments from corporate Guyana to fund more races.

But then again, while races are good to keep the athletes in shape, Mohamed says he would not rest until an all weather cycling track becomes reality in this country.

He notes that Guyana abounds with talent but we will not be able to excel at the international level without the requisite facilities and amenities in place.

“The authorities need to look seriously at providing a banked track and we must seriously start planning long term and not expect success and miracles overnight. Our riders and coaches must work out a specific plan, they must be focused on what they want to achieve and be systemic in their approach.”

Mohamed, the longest serving cycling coach in Guyana also believes that more competition against riders from South American countries; Argentina, Columbia and Venezuela; is needed for locals to toughen up generally in order to gain the competitive edge at regional and international events.

“This is the only way our riders will know for sure how good they are and what they need to do to improve. It is simple, good competition makes or breaks you.”

In 2008 Mohammed with consistent and committed support from corporate Guyana held a total of fifteen 11-race programmes at the Mecca of cycling in Guyana, the National Park.

Eleven senior races (road) were also held along with two track events. The last track event saw the return of night cycling after a lapse of about 30-years and it was a resounding success. For the first time also, BMX riders were allowed to participate.

The annual ‘Teach them Young’ two month summer programme was also held for the 32nd consecutive year with the National Sports Commission as the sole sponsor.

Leading rider Alonzo Greaves stole the spotlight overall with seven (7) wins at the National Park apart form those on the road and track.

Christopher Holder continued to dominate his juvenile colleagues and held his own among the seniors too with a couple of victories.

Kennard Lovell, Linden Blackman, Monty Parris and Compton Persaud turned in encouraging performances among the veterans under and over 50.

A number of physically challenged riders proved that their individual disability in no way prohibits their being competitive against those who may consider themselves not being disabled.

Ian ‘Dumb Boy’ Jackson, Virgil Jones, Shawn Frank and Walter Grant Stuart have all proved that they can be competitive. Grant Stuart, who lost his right hand in an unfortunate accident from the elbow down, destroyed all and sundry in one of the feature school boys and novices 35-lap event at the National Park and also placed 3rd in the last race on the West Demerara on November 23 putting to rest concerns that a one handed rider cannot be competitive.

Younger brother of former national champion Godfrey Pollydore, Jason, dominated the junior category while among the BMX riders, Raymond Perez (6-9), Olandio King (9-12), Ozia Macaulay (12-14), Crystal Blackman (girls), Kunta McKenzie and Jonathan Fagundes in the open division all did well, consistently.

What can be described as the most prestigious race of them all is the five-stage event, which was contested in all three counties, Berbice, Demerara and Essequibo, Junior Niles taking the overall title this time around from an international field.

Some of the other senior riders who won during the year were Marlon Williams, Warren Mc Kay, John Charles, Robin Persaud, Tony Simon and Tyrone Hamilton.

But while these riders continue to do good for themselves on the local scene, Mohamed is convinced that a banked track will help them develop more speed and skills especially those who are our future, the likes of Greaves, Holder, Geron Williams, Enzo Matthews and Christopher Persaud among others.

“If these riders remain in Guyana without high level competition or if they are not able to get scholarships to further themselves in the sport they will miss the train and this would be a tragedy given the talent that they have. Something needs to be done for these guys.”

While complimenting the governing body for the sport, the Guyana Cycling Federation (GCF), Mohamed is convinced that more needs to be done and current President Hector Edwards, a former national rider who passed through Mohamed’s ‘Teach Them Young’ programme in the first year, 1977, needs to be supported.

He said it is imperative that executive members and those on committees work in the interest of the athletes and sport.

And even while the sport has been successful more new blood is needed from around the country, especially females, which has almost been extinct over the years.

The GCF had taken a policy to debar senior riders from participating at the National Park where BMX, school boys and novices compete primarily, but due to the lack of competition for the seniors, they (GCF) had to relax that policy allowing the seniors to compete. This was done during last year.

This move enabled stiffer competition at the Park which aids in the development of the younger brigade. The BMX riders are also afforded the opportunity to see the best riders in the land on show which serves as motivation for them.

Coach Mohamed extended gratitude to all the sponsors who by their tangible commitments and partnerships continue to keep the game riding on.

Ricks & Sari Agro Industries Ltd., Laparkan, R&R International, DeSinco Trading, National Sports Commission, Geddes Grant, Demerara Distillers Limited, BK International, P&P Insurance, Guyana Oil Company, Chris Jagdeo, Ocean View International Hotel, Hand in Hand Mutual Fire & Life Insurance Company, Toucan Industries.

Meanwhile, the 2009 season is set to get underway on the third or fourth Saturday of this month with the 16th annual Ricks and Sari 11 race programme.

Marlon ‘Fishy’ Williams won last year’s feature race but it is not certain that he will be around to defend the title.

All the major guns are expected be out for the first race of the season which makes the days feature, a hotly anticipated event.

Other category winners last year were; Holder (juvenile), Kester Croal (upright), Linden Blackman (veterans Under 50) and Compton Persaud (veteran Over 50). In the BMX races, Raymond Perez (BMX 6-9), Olandio King (9-12), Ozia Macaulay (12-14), Kunta McKenzie (open) and Crystal Blackman (girls).