Latest update February 6th, 2025 7:27 AM
Wilbert Benjamin roll back the years to win Inaugural Mayor’s cup cycle event
Benjamin receiving the Mayor Winifred Haywood Lien trophy from her after first collecting the winning trophy for the day’s event.
Veteran cyclist Wilbert Benjamin, like good wine, showed that he is getting better with age when he rode away with the inaugural Mayor 10 laps cycle race around New Amsterdam in honour of the town’s Mayor Winifred Haywood. Showing the youngsters a thing or two how it is done, the overseas based Benjamin, a former national cyclist, was able to out duel his rivals in a fierce sprit home from a five man bunch.
The event which was organised by the Flying Ace Cycle Club (FACC) was for cyclists of the club only. Before the race the cyclist did a ride past in honour of her Worship the Mayor. She was accompanied on the dais by former Mayor and patron of the FACC Errol Alphonso and Officer in Charge of the Constabulary ASP Charles Roberts.
The event, which began in front of the Rainbow Bar at approximately 10:10 hrs on Republic Road, saw the riders being sent on their way by Haywood as they circled the town 10 times. Using his vast experience both at home and abroad, the wily Benjamin was always in the leading bunch made up of six. As the race progressed the bunch was reduced to five with various riders looking for the break but was roped in as a sizable crowd gathered at various points around the town to observe the event. Benjamin for his part never took the lead being aware of the younger guys in the pack.
As the last lap began there was a scramble for the front and as the riders rounded the final turn Benjamin used his wits to out duel the other riders in the five man pack to cross the line in front.
Benjamin receives the winning Winifred Haywood trophy from the Mayor.
He was followed by Balram Narine, Ralph Seenarine, Clement Doris and Syborne Fernandes in that order.
Ralph Seenarine was the first junior home. Among the 12-14 riders the winners was Shunarine Bowandin who won from Mario Washington and Jeremiah Joseph. Maria Carrington was the winner in the female category. A special prize was presented to 69 years old Daniel Rigby for completing the event.
Among the BMX riders, winning in the 9-12 category, was Neshun Rigby with Sachin Prem Karran and Daniel Blair rounding out the top three. In the BMX 6-9 category the winner was Lumesh Singh who won from Neishan Rigby and Gregory Daniels. Some 24 riders participated in the day’s activity with 16 in the main event.
The presentation ceremony was done immediately after the event at the Rainbow Bar. Mayor Haywood congratulated the cyclists especially the winners. She was nostalgic as she thanked the FACC
for organising the history making event. She also had special words of commendation for Organiser and Coach Randolph Roberts, former Mayor Errol Alphonso and Councilor Buster Wright among others for taking the time to be a part of the event.
Mayor Haywood, a retired head teacher and practicing Pastor, also took the time to thank the many sponsors for coming on board with the event.
69 years old Daniel Rigby with his old cruiser fitted with basket and fender and all, as he powered across the finish line.
Also speaking were Mr. Alphonso, organiser Roberts and sports enthusiast Eli Hazel.
According to Roberts the Lien trophy will be competed for every year until it is won three times by the same rider, only then a new one will be purchased.
Some of the sponsors were the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club MS, the RDC Region 6, former Mayor Errol Alphonso, Grennidge Refrigeration Services, Arokium Funeral Home and Fix It Electronics among others. (Samuel Whyte)
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