… looking to peak for Commonwealth Games

WHEN 25-year- old Roraima Bikers Club’s Alanzo Greaves visited the United States of America (USA) last year under the watchful eyes of veteran cyclist Aubrey Gordon, he was involved in purely competitive races, battling against several top riders the world has to offer creditably.

Yesterday morning, and just within 48 hours after finishing fourth in the 32nd Annual National Sports Commission Three-stage Independence cycle road race, Greaves departed for the USA, where he will go through another seven weeks stint under the tutelage of Gordon.
However, this time around, Greaves will spend the time not only in competition against top riders around the globe, but training for the upcoming Commonwealth Games which will be held in Glasgow, Scotland, from July 23 to August 3, 2014.
The talented rider is part of the squad shortlisted by the Guyana Cycling Federation to prepare for participation at the Games and he is bent on bringing back glory to the Land of Many Waters, hence his trip to the USA.
“Well, I’m looking to once again do well and improve my overall game, as well as get into top shape for the Commonwealth Games later this year. I have already spoken to Mr Gordon whom I know will have a schedule planned out for me, during my stay there” Greaves said, as he embarked on his fourth such visit to the USA.
During his sojourn in the USA last year, the former Carlton Wheelers Cycle Club rider chalked up three impressive victories from eight races, claiming the top podium spot in the Floyd Bennett Category 1-3 race, the Historic Riverton Criterium (Pro 1-3) event and the W.S. United Category One race, while he also finished as runner-up in the Connecticut Criterium (Pro 1-3) race.
Apart from the three top podium spots, he also copped fourth in the CRCA Open Category 1-3, 12th in the Floyd Bennett Category 1-3; 18th in the Bound Brook Criterium Pro-1 and 52nd in the Tour of Somerville Category Pro-1.
“Those races opened my eyes more to competitive cycling and I brought back with me last year, a different view to training rides and competitive rides, and this time around, I intend to go there, improve in my performances and at the same time garner more knowledge on the sport.
It is my intention to perform creditably, not only in the USA, but also in Scotland where I will be representing Guyana at the Commonwealth Games.
For sure, I need to medal at the Games and make my country, sponsors, family and friends proud,” said Greaves.
His trip to the USA has been made possible with support from communications service provider Digicel, Bounty Farm, Spads Inc., Toucan Industries, Kevin Jeffrey and family, Café Sol, Compton Persaud, Roraima Bikers Club, Linden Dowridge and George Humphrey.
“I would like to thank all those sponsors who made this trip to the USA possible for me, especially Digicel, who has been behind me all the way since making me a Brand Ambassador, and my family who has been supportive of me all along the way as well,” said Greaves, prior to boarding his Caribbean Airlines flight yesterday morning.

(By Calvin Roberts)