THE second annual Unitech Awning 11-race programme is billed for Saturday with the experienced Robin Persaud set to defend his title in the feature 35-lap School Boys and Invitational race. The event is billed to start at 09:00 hrs at the inner circuit of the National Park.
Persaud won last year’s event in a time of one hour, 16 minutes (01h: 16m), outsprinting a determined Paul De Nobrega, who had maintained a commanding presence in the leading bunch for most of the race. Enzo Matthews, Ian Jackson, Michael Anthony and Albert Philander rounded off the top six in that order.
The talented Adrian Sharma was dominant in the BMX category, winning the 12-14 and the Open race, while Lindener Jamal Arthur won the BMX 6-9 race, and no doubt both riders will look to replicate their performance of  2011.
Other races planned for the day include the BMX 9-12, 12-14, Veterans Under-50, Over-50 and Over-60, Juveniles and Uprights.
The event is being organised by national coach Hassan Mohamed in memory of Noel Persaud, a former rider attached to the Continental Cycle Club. Mohamed said this is a fitting tribute to Persaud, who was a very dedicated cyclist and one whom he competed against in the 1970s. Persaud was well known in the cycling fraternity as ‘Pokan.’
Persaud’s son, Ray Persaud, who is the Managing Director of Unitech Awning of East Bank Demerara, will be on hand to assist with the presentation of prizes at the conclusion of the activity.