Geron Williams win Inaugural David Granger cycle event

Jul 13, 2015 Sports

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By Samuel Whyte
Geron Williams, in a time of 2hrs: 34:36.77 seconds, edged out a star studded field in a tight, 10 man sprint home to take top spot in the inaugural David Granger – collation victory cycle event which was held yesterday.

The 60 miles event which was organized by the Flying Ace Cycle Club (FACC) was staged along the Corentyne highway and saw 37 cyclists taking to the starting line.
The riders were sent on their way by Minister in the Ministry of Education with responsibility for Youth, Sports and Culture Nicolette Henry who was assisted by former Mayor of New Amsterdam Errol Alphonso.
The race got on the way from in front of the Lewis and Sons General Store at Rose Hall Town and journey to the Springlands Police station before returning to it place for origin.
As the cyclists went on the grueling journey, a bunch of 15 quickly separated themselves from the rest of the field and stayed together for most of the upward ride.
By the half way stage on the downward journey a three man team of Robin Persaud, Christopher Holder and Alanzo Ambrose made a break for it, but were sucked in by the chasing pack after about five miles. During the return phase, top cyclist Orville Hinds suffered a fall, but was able to quickly regain his composure and rejoin the leading bunch after a while.
With just about a mile to go the race was still up for grabs as the bunch kept together and the cyclists still tried to outdo each other.
In the final sprint home it was Williams that was able to edge home ahead of Orville Hinds in second with Robin Persaud third, Shaquille Agard fourth as Hamza Eastman, Michael Anthony, Christopher Holder and Rawle Leal rounded out the top eight.
On the veterans side, the consistent Junior Niles was the first to cross the finish line as he rode away from Leer Nunes and Jaikaran Sookhai. Jamal John was the first junior to cross the line as he won from Andrew Hicks and Rapheal Leung.
The winner in the beginner’s category was Curtis Dey with Kellon Collins and Keoma Logan rounding out the top three.  On the distaff side Toshawana Doris made full use of a slight mishap by top cyclist Marica Dick to ride home with Dick coming in second as Whitney Poyer placed third.
Robin Persaud copped three prime point prizes with Geron Williams. There were one each for Michael Anthony, Raul Leal, Stephano Husbands, Paul DeNobrega and Alanzo Ambrose.
Minister Henry expressed thanks to the organizers for their thought in organizing the event in honour of his Excellency President David Granger and the collation for their victory at the recently held General and Regional Elections.
She stated that President Granger would have loved to be present at the event, but was unavoidably absent since he is out of the country. She said that youths and the development of youths is of much importance to his Excellency.
She also mentioned that opportunities and activities like the cycling event provides an ideal setting for development, discipline, character and team spirit all of which are desirables characteristic for a globally productive citizen.
She expressed sincere thanks on behalf of his Excellency President Granger, herself and government to the organizers, sponsors and supporters. She also had words of commendation for the participants especially the winners and other outstanding participants. She also promised to convey all the sentiments expressed to his Excellency as soon as possible.
Mr. Alphonso who is also patron of the FACC, gave brief remarks and thanked the Minister for taking time out of her busy schedule to be a part of the activity. He also congratulated the cyclists especially the winners and those from out of Berbice. He also made a call for more females to be a part of cycling in the country.
Alphonso also had much praise of the work that Coach Randolph Roberts is doing, especially in helping to keep youths off the streets, away from illegal and illicit activities and meaningfully occupied.
Coordinator Randolph Roberts and assistant organizer Eli Hazel also took the opportunity to thank Minister Henry for giving her blessing and being a part of the presentation activity.
Roberts for his part was very thankful to all the sponsors and made a commitment that the event will be a part of the FACC calendar of events. He promised a bigger and better event next year.
Among  the sponsors were Mark and Neil Lewis of Lewis and Sons General Store Rose Hall Town, Kurt Alphonso of HE Alphonso and Sons of Berbice, Assistant Commissioner of Police Brian Joseph, who also donated a trophy for the top cyclist in the beginners category, Dharry Tulsie, Eureka Lab, Dr. Michele Ming and Businessman Mark Arokium among others.
Malcolm Sonoram was the race director with Joseph Briton his assistant.

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