GUYANA’S chances of medal ling at the Caribbean Elite Cycling Championships suffered a major setback when national champion Hamza ‘Popcon’ Eastman confirmed his non-participation as a result of the injury he sustained while training for the just concluded Mohamed Khadir Memorial 80-mile cycle race that Raynauth Jeffrey won last Sunday.According to reports, Eastman’s place has been filled by Team Gillette Evolution’s Raul Leal.
A dejected and disappointed Eastman after consulting with his doctor broke the news on social media. The Team Coco’s rider disclosed that although he can still participate in the championship, he acknowledges that he will not be competitive and it would not be in the best interest of the team. He does not want to be “just another rider in the peleton”.
He hopes a suitable replacement can be found.
Meanwhile, former national cyclist Linden Dowridge told Guyana Cycle News that he is very sorry to hear about Eastman’s unavailability to compete in this weekend’s Caribbean Elite Meet but he respects Eastman’s maturity and honesty on the subject.
He added, “Raul is a good boy, and needs the exposure; he is also a good team rider but needs guidance during the event.”
Meanwhile, Digicel will host its fourth Breast Cancer Awareness cycle road race that is scheduled to pedal off on October 25.
At the launching on Thursday it was stated that the event will now be a two-stage event with the first stage starting at 07:00hrs at Schoonord, West Demerara and the cyclists will proceed to Bushy Park, East Bank Essequibo before returning to the place of origin for the finish.
The juveniles, veterans and ladies will turn back at Uitvlugt.
The second stage will commence at 07:00hrs at Abary, East Coast Demerara and conclude in the inner circuit of the National Park.