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Digicel Breast Cancer Awareness Cycle Road Race…John trumps Leal in brilliant sprint finish as duo sets record
By Franklin Wilson
Continuing their duel from Saturday when they destroyed an experienced field at the National Park, Jamal John and Raul Leal of Team Coco’s and Team Evolution repeated the feat, this time on a larger circuit and in steamier conditions as well as setting a new record in the process yesterday.
The event was the 5th annual Digicel Breast Cancer Awareness Cycle Road Race which took place around the outer circuit of the National Park taking in JB Singh Highway (start & finish), Carifesta Avenue, Camp Street and Thomas Road.
$250,000 Push! Jamal John gave it his all to overpower Raul Leal in the main event. Franklin Wilson photo
The race was virtually decided in terms of the top two spots from the start, Leal and John breaking away from the main peloton from as early as lap 2 and never looked back. They gradually took their lead into comfort zone with each passing lap and at one time had over 3 ½ minutes on the second pack and over 4 minutes on the third.
The clock was stopped at 2 Hours 54 Minutes 11.73 Seconds in the 30-lap contest when John crossed the finish line ahead of Leal in an exciting sprint home to cap one of the best victories in his still young career; he noted that this was second biggest win.
Leal couldn’t match the energy John displayed in the final 300 meters or so; John’s training with fellow Coco’s teammates in Colombia paid excellent dividends for this race which saw him pocketing $250,000 for placing first along with a Digicel branded jersey and trophy that were presented by Digicel CEO Mr. Kevin Kelly.
Leal for his efforts collected $200,000, while Raynauth Jeffrey (Team Coco’s), Orville Hinds (Team Evolution) and Team Alanis’ Christopher Profitt were rewarded with $150,000, $80,000 and $20,000, respectively for finishing 3rd, 4th and 5th.
One Hundred and One cyclists contested the two-race programme, with 51 of those facing off in the feature event, which also saw the Under and Over-45 and Junior category riders battling.
Raphael Leung (United CC) was the junior winner, pocketing the top prize of $80,000 as he was unchallenged with reigning national champion Christopher Cornelius (Evolution) having to settle for the 3rd prize of $30,000 behind fellow Lindener and Linden Bauxite Flyers CC’s Jornel Yearwood who pocketed $50,000 for his 2nd place finish.
The veteran Under-45 winner was Junior Niles (1 hour 45 minutes 26 seconds) who continues to rule the roost in this category, Niles outdueled Warren ‘Forty’ McKay on the line in another thrilling category finish; 3rd was Jaikarran Sukhai.
Raymond ‘Steely’ Newton, Ian ‘Deaf Boy’ Jackson and Kennard Lovell were the top three finishers in the Veterans Over-45 class; the riders covering 18-laps. The riders were led for the first lap (unofficial) by Digicel Head of Marketing Ms Jacqueline James as they all paid tribute to all cancer victims in Guyana.
Yesterday’s opening race, a 4-lap contest that attracted Digicel Staff, Novices, Mountain Bike and Females. The results are as follows:
Mountain Bike – Keon Thomas, Ozia Macullay, Sean Budhan
Ladies – Hazina Barrett (30’ 07″), Whitney Poyer, Shenika Texeira
Novice – Oliver Younge (25’ 56″), Joshlyn Congreaves, Shurland Sue-Hang
Digicel Staff – Dennis Christee, Karyum Baird, Travis Ferreira
Digicel CEO Mr Kevin Kelly in brief remarks before the presentation, thanked all the riders for competing in the event which helps to bring awareness to the scourge of not only breast cancer, but cancer in general.
Kelly also expressed gratitude to organizers, Evolution Cycle Club and the Cancer Institute of Guyana, noting that the success of the event was as a result of a collaborative effort between the mentioned entities.
Over One Million in cash prizes along with trophies were handed out at yesterday’s event which saw a number of families, supporters and fans braving the drenching sunshine to enjoy the day’s activity.
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