Latest update January 5th, 2025 2:50 AM
Young cyclist eyes international podium
Making a career out of a hobby would be the best thing for many persons. However, if that passion or fire just wasn’t there but somehow found its way into your life, then this is a whole new aspect.
Kaieteur News came across a young and dynamic sprint cyclist, Balram Narine, who decided to take his passion to the next level.
The 20-year-old cyclist hails from the little village of Rampoor, Skeldon, Berbice. According to Narine cycling was never one of his intentions. “I had always loved cycling but I didn’t take it seriously since I never had anyone to show me the way forward.”
He went on to express his difficulties growing up as a child in somewhat of a broken home. “While growing up I had to do most things myself; my mom hardly spent time with my siblings and me because she had to work.”
Narine said, “My dad, he never really looked after us. However, my step-dad stepped in and was there in whatever way he could be.”
Narine (M) taking first place at nationals 2015
At the age of 15, Narine was formally introduced to the sport by one of his friends, Alistair Griffith. “Alistair was the one who introduced me to cycling and he started to train me with whatever little knowledge he had about the sport.”
From then onwards the young cyclist moved to take his passion forward. By the use of Alistair’s riding gears he started to attend the national sports championships for schools. He attended those championships three consecutive years from 2015 bringing home gold medals every time.
“My first race was a 5000 meters race on track and I got gold. Every time I went to nationals and returned with gold. I wasn’t always that excited because my liking was more for road races.”
In 2018 Narine got his opportunity to compete in a road race. “Earlier in 2018 before the national championships, I met coach Randolph Roberts. He told me that I’m a talented youth and also advised me to join the Flying Ace Cycle Club.”
With the guidance of Coach Roberts, Narine was able to get his own gear. He went on to win the national road race which paved the way for him to compete nationwide. “I won the national road race and I was so happy because it was all I ever wanted since I started.”
Coming in first for a road race
Narine sprinting his way to victory for another road race
Owning his first ever original carbon racing bike, Narine started to take on championships in his region also building his confidence as he moved up. “Apart from racing across the country, I also did a lot of races in Berbice and won.”
Not forgetting where he came from, the cyclist highlighted his acknowledgement to the people who aided in making his dreams a reality. “I want to thank God first of all for everything he has done for me. Secondly, I would like to thank Alistair for introducing me to cycling.”
“I would like to thank my Coach for the massive support and guidance. Last but not least, my mom. I would like to believe I’m the best thing that ever happened to her but for me she is my biggest inspiration.”
The next step in the young Guyanese cyclist career is a cycling tour in Trinidad. “Currently I am preparing for a cycling tour in Trinidad which will be held over the Easter weekend at Arima Velodrome.”
He added that, “The tournament is a sprinting event which is my favourite and I am looking forward to making my country proud as a participant of that tour.”
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