Latest update January 3rd, 2025 4:30 AM
Latest News
- Mohameds drops lawsuit after Sgt. Bascom apologises over murder accusations
- More than 70 Palestinians killed in Israeli attacks on Gaza
- Berbice man drowns at Lake during New Year’s Day outing.
- Motorcycle bandits crash into Hilux to rob driver
- Jagdeo defends 4% interest on US EXIM Bank loan for Gas-to-Energy project
Geron Williams powers to victory; DeNobrega, Newton, Jeffrey & Singh also winners
Forbes Burnham Birthday Cycle Road Race
This year’s cycling season has gotten off to a fantastic start with a number of riders taking the top podium spot; in the 5th Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham Birth Anniversary Road Race yesterday, it was Geron Williams’ time to take center stage.
Geron Williams (left) digs deep to power his way to victory ahead of Alonzo Greaves (centre) and Paul DeNobrega yesterday. (Franklin Wilson photo)
The race, sponsored by the Burnham Foundation (BF) in observance of the Late President , started outside the NIS Ground on Carifesta Avenue proceeded to Belfield and back, saw Williams outmuscling fierce rival Alonzo Greaves in an exciting 4-man sprint to the line, he {Williams} won the duel in One Hour 12 Minutes 58 Seconds.
The younger brigade of riders continues to make their presence felt with juniors, Paul DeNobrega (1 hr. 13 mins. 1 sec.) who won this category placing third overall with another rising star Raynauth Jeffrey following in fourth and was the 2nd junior. Robin Persaud finished a distant fifth with Linden’s Orvil Hinds closing out the top six positions.
On a windy morning, the race which pedaled off just after 07:00hrs attracted 51-starters, the largest in its brief history to date. Marlon ‘Fishy’ Williams who won the first prime prize but did not finish the race due him having to attend his daughters’ christening, went on the early break leading a 5-man pack which included Geron, Greaves, DeNobrega and Jeffrey.
‘Fishy’, who is known as one of the best in the business, but due to work commitments he’s not able to train 100%, carried the steam up to Sheriff Street before dropping out of the race at Mon Repos.
Taking over the hard work were DeNobrega and in particular the determined Jeffrey, their disciplined work ethics did not allow the chasing pack to connect on the upward or downward journey.
In the end, it was Geron (4-primes) who took the win over Guyana’s leading sprinter, Greaves (3-primes) with DeNobrega and Jeffrey (2-primes) again doing well. If the latter pair continues to stick to a consistent training regime they will certainly be in winners’ row later in the season.
Another Linden rider, Michael Anthony was third in the junior category. Naomi Singh (1 hr. 26 mins. 41 secs.) was the only female to compete the distance, Linden’s Hazina Barrat started but dropped out due to cramping.
Winners All!!! Category winners and top performers pose with Burnham Foundation and Guyana Cycling Federation officials after the conclusion of yesterday race and presentation at the National Park.
Raymond Newton was the first veteran to cross the finish line; he was timed at One Hour 14 Minutes 54 Seconds. He was followed by Berbice’ Thuran Harris and Junior Niles in that order.
Motor racing sensation Kevin Jeffrey copped the top spot in the Over-50 category ahead of the resolute Maurice Fagundes.
Speaking at the presentation ceremony immediately after the race, Chairman of the Forbes Burnham Foundation, Vincent Alexander congratulated the cyclists for turning out in record numbers and for riding a competitive race. He also praised the Guyana Cycling Federation (GCF) for the fine job they are doing.
Alexander reminded the gathering the Late President Burnham was a champion when it came to supporting, organising and promotion of sports in Guyana.
“He has indeed left a great legacy in this regard and a lasting and positive impact in the lives of many of us. He lives on in so many ways. Indeed, many of you are benefitting from his legacy.”
Alexander went on to explain in brief, the significance of Carifesta Avenue and Belfield to the competitors, officials and spectators.
GCF President Cheryl Thompson in brief remarks complimented the Burnham Foundation for sponsoring the event for another year. The junior riders came in for special praise from the cycling boss who said she was looking forward to greater things from them.
Assistant Race Secretary of the GCF Hassan Mohamed also spoke and while congratulating the BF, cyclists and the Ranks of the Guyana Police Force for their usual efficient service, had some strong words for those cyclists who turned up late.
Mohamed urged the late comers to be more disciplined noting that when they go overseas, they are required to be at the starting line three hours to the start. The competitors from Linden were also complemented for arriving on time.
He informed all that this was just the start of what will be another hectic year for the sport with this weekend also set to be busy with an 11-race Meet in the National Park on Saturday, while the attention will switch to the road on Sunday on the West Demerara again.
Similar Articles
THE BLUNT OF THE DAY
Sports
Features/Columnists
GUYSUCO’s problems are political not managerial
Peeping Tom… Kaieteur News- The sugar industry has been for centuries Guyana’s agricultural backbone. Yet, its struggles... more
Breaking the Chains of Poverty: A need for political will
By Sir Ronald Sanders Kaieteur News- The year 2024 has underscored a grim reality: poverty continues to be an unyielding... more
Weekend Cartoon
