‘Obeah Man’ Jeffrey set to defend Berbice leg this Sunday

AFTER successfully staging the first leg on the West Demerara roadways last Sunday, organisers of the Cheddi Jagan Memorial cycling trilogy will take the event to the Ancient County of Berbice this Sunday, as has been the case for more than a decade and a half.The event will pedal off at 09:00hrs in front of Freedom House in New Amsterdam, following brief remarks from members of the ruling People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), proceed to Number 55 Village before returning to Port Mourant for the finish, a distance of 50 miles.
The veterans, mountain bikers and females will turn at Hogstye on the upward journey and finish at Port Mourant, while the senior and junior riders will do the full distance.
The talented Raynauth ‘Obeah Man’ Jeffrey of Team Coco (Guyana) is set to defend the senior title, having won last year’s event in a 2h: 13m: 26secs, while Raul Leal, who won last Sunday’s event after returning to the sport following a vehicular accident last year, is the defending champion of the junior category.
The experienced Kennard Lovell won the veterans category last year, while Ozia McAulay and Hazina Barrett were also winners on the day, copping the mountain bike and female divisions respectively.
The first six finishers in the Open category and the top three in the junior, veteran, mountain bike and female events will be rewarded, while eight prime prizes will be at stake in this 17th edition of the event that is once again being sponsored by BK International.
According to national coach and organiser of the day’s activities, Hassan Mohamed, transportation for cyclists and officials will leave for Berbice on Sunday morning at 05:00hrs from the National Sports Commission building on Middle Street.
Jeffrey has emerged as the top rider of the event over the last two years under the points system that was introduced in 2012 and will be presented with his prize at the presentation ceremony on Sunday.
In the six races in 2012 and 2013, Jeffrey accumulated 38 points, followed by Robin Persaud (30) and Orville Hinds (21) and under the points system, the first six finishers were given 10 points for a win; eight for second; six for third; four for fourth, three for fifth and two for sixth.