CONTINENTAL cyclist Geron Williams registered two hours 34 minutes 36.77 seconds to win the inaugural Coalition Victory 60-mile cycle road race, organised by the Flying Ace Cycle Club (FACC) of Berbice last Sunday.The event, which attracted 37 starters collectively in the junior and senior categories, started from outside Lewis and Sons General Store, Rose Hall Town, and the pedal-pushers were sent off by Minister within the Ministry of Education with responsibility for Culture, Youth and Sport Nicolette Henry.
From Rose Hall Town, the 37 cyclists journeyed to Springlands before returning to the place of origin for the finish.
The ladies and beginners started at Nand Persaud and Company and finished at Rose Hall Town.
Shortly after being sent on their way, a bunch of 15 riders went out to the front and opened a sizeable lead which they maintained for most of the upward journey.
Half way on the downward trip, Robin Persaud who placed third overall, along with Christopher Holder and Alonzo Ambrose attempted to breakaway but were sucked in by the chasing pack.
About two miles from the finish line, there were several attacks and counterattacks but no one cyclist was able to make any great headway.
In the end, it came down to a bunch sprint among ten cyclists and Williams took the spoils ahead of Orville Hinds.
Shaquille Agard placed fourth and Hamza Eastman fifth.
Michael Anthony, Christopher Holder and Raul Leal occupied the other top three positions.
Persaud and Williams won three prime prizes each while Anthony, Leal, Stephano Husbands, Ambrose and Paul DeNobrega each took one.
Jamal John came out winner of the junior category ahead of Andrew Hixks and Raphael Leung respectively, while Junior Niles, Leer Nunes and Jaikaran Sukhai placed one to three respectively in the veterans’ category.
Toshawana Doris topped in the ladies category. Marcia Dick was second and Whitney Poyer third.
For the beginners, Curtis Dey was first, Kellon Collins second and Keoma Logan third.
Prior to assisting with the presentation of prizes to the respective winners, Minister Henry expressed her thanks to the race organisers for hosting the activity in honour of the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU)+Alliance for Change (AFC) coalition that won the May 11 General Elections, and more so in honour of His Excellency President David Granger.
Minister Henry said the development of youths is of much importance to any society, and this aspect of development is top on the list of President David Granger’s list of priorities.
She stated that opportunities and activities like the race provide an ideal setting for development, discipline, character and team spirit – all of which are desirable characteristics for a globally productive citizen.
Minister Henry congratulated the top performers and promised to convey all the sentiments expressed to President Granger as soon as possible.
Former New Amsterdam Mayor Errol Alphonso who was also in attendance and who is the FACC Patron, in brief remarks, thanked Minister Henry for gracing the event with her presence.
Alphonso also congratulated the top performers and thanked the cyclists from outside of Berbice for being a part of the activity.
He had words of praise for the FACC coach and event organizer, Randolph Roberts, for the work he has been doing in Berbice by organising activities which help to keep the youths off the streets and out of trouble.

By Michael DaSilva