Robin Persaud, a father of two, dug extra deep into his energy tank to claim victory in the 11th Guyoil sponsored Father’s day 50-mile cycle road race held on the West Demerara yesterday morning.
Robin Persaud
Persaud, who in recent races has been second best decided that on a day when Fathers the world over are recognised, he had to make it count for the sake of his 12 year-old son and 7 year-old daughter. He pedaled to victory in 1 hour 53 minutes 54.50 seconds winning the sprint home from Jude Bentley, Junior Niles, Marlon Williams, Ian Jackson and Walter Grant-Stuart in that order.
The race started outside the Wales Police Station on the West Bank before proceeding to Busy Park on the East Bank of Essequibo before returning to the Demerara Harbour Bridge for the finish.
The rain and cool conditions turned out to be ideal ingredients for Persaud who chalked up a memorable win over arch rival Alonzo Greaves who did not place in the top six.
Paul De Nobrega too turned the table on rival Neil Reece who would have been enjoying top podium finishes ahead of him. De Nobrega crossed the finish line way ahead of Reece to take the junior class. Davendra Bissoon in his first race on a racing cycle did well to take the 3rd place.
Virgil Jones was too hot for his fellow veterans to handle, sprinting home in an exciting finish ahead of Gary Benjamin and Kennard Lovell. Topping the upright category was Clyde Jacobs; Marion King and Mark Harris placing 2nd and 3rd respectively.
Monty Parris copped the trophy for the first over-60 rider to cross the line.
Meanwhile, riders will be clashing again next Sunday when the Guyana Cycling Federation hosts their national championships which will see senior, junior and veteran champions being crowned.
And BMX riders will be in action on Saturday when the Guyana Olympic Association brings off a number of races in observance of Olympic Day 2010. The event is slated for the National Park with four (4) races listed for the day.
By Franklin Wilson.