Differently Able cyclist Walter Grant-Stuart ended the 2010 cycling season in emphatic and classy fashion when he outclassed a star studded field to win the 11th Diamond Mineral Water / Choice of Champions 50 Mile Road Race held on the West Demerara yesterday morning.
In blistering sunshine, Grant-Stuart showed steely determination and no nonsense resolve in winning the final race of the year in One hour 58 minutes 22 seconds, a comfortable 400meters ahead of second place Paul De Nobrega who also rode well to take the junior category also.
Lindener Mark Lewis placed a creditable third with Alonzo Greaves having to settle for fourth, Junior Niles and Warren ‘Forty’ Mc Kay closing out the top six in that order.
The recipients of prizes at the 11th Diamond Mineral Water 50-mile road race pose with representatives of DDL at the conclusion of yesterday’s event on the West Demerara.
Raynauth Chatram was the second junior to cross the finish line with Montel Anthony placing third.
The upright category went to Nigel Jacobs followed by Ravendra Rodrigues and Shawn Frank, while the top veteran was Kennard Lovell who won ahead of Shameer Baksh and Linden Blackman.
Forty-two riders faced starter’s orders in the race that commenced from the Wales Police Station, West Bank Demerara proceeding to Bushy Park on the East Bank of Essequibo before returning to the Demerara Harbour Bridge for the finish. Veteran and upright riders turned back at the Uitvlugt.
Grant-Stuart commenting after the race said that it was not an easy win for him but an enjoyable one. He said he was the one being targeted by his rivals; he did the pacing and picking up but knew that he had the energy to whip the field.
So dominating was his performance that he took the lead just after the turn back point at Busy Park, Parika and never looked back; his rivals failing to connect.
“This was a good win for me and an excellent way for me to end the year; I have had some good wins this year and am looking forward to a better season in 2011. I must express my sincere gratitude God for continuing to give the health and energy to compete and do well, Mr. Raymond Perez for his continued support throughout the year and the Guyana Fire Service, where I work, They have all helped to excel and I would like to publicly acknowledge their help.”
Marketing Management Trainee of sponsors, Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL) Marlon Gravesande in remarks before the presentation of prizes and trophies congratulated all the participants informing them that DDL was very pleased to be associated with the sport over the years.
“We are extremely happy to be associated with cycling and the years we have been sponsoring this year end event is testimony to that commitment. This was a challenging race today and we are encouraged by the level of rivalry exhibited during the contest.”
Gravesande encouraged the riders to continue training hard and maintain a high level of discipline. “Continue to be committed as we at DDL are and remember to stay hydrated using Diamond Mineral Water, the choice of Champions.”
National Coach and Organiser Hassan Mohamed also expressed gratitude to the riders for their continued participation. Mohamed thanked DDL for their continued partnership which continues to keep the sport energized.
He informed the riders that it’s the end of the season while expressing gratitude to them for their continuous participation during the year. The 2011 season will pedal off towards the end of January.
By Franklin Wilson