By Rajiv Bisnauth

ON a sunny morning national cyclist Marlon `Fishy’ Williams prevailed in yesterday’s uphill finish to claim the Senior category of the 19th annual Cheddi Jagan Memorial Cycling on the East Berbice roadways.The race started in front of Freedom House, New Amsterdam and then proceeded to Number 55 Village, Corentyne, before returning to Port Mourant for the finish, attracting some 37 starters.
In what turned out to be a heated sprint finish, Williams narrowly staved off a spirited effort from Raul Leal and was the first to cross the finish line by the slightest of margins to win in two hrs, 15 mins, 10 secs (02h: 15: 10s).
Shaquille Agard finished third, followed by Paul DeNobrega, Orville Hinds and the talented Raphael Leung.
Eight prime prizes were on offer, with Leal claiming four of the prizes, Williams took two, while Hinds and DeNobrega accounted for the final two prizes.
In the Junior category, Leung continued his rise in the sport by claiming the top spot, leaving Andrew Hicks and Christopher Corneilus to settle for second and third positions respectively.
Three female riders competed against each other, but at the end of the race from Freedom House, New Amsterdam to Hog Style on the upward journey and back to the finishing line, Whitney Poyer was the top rider, winning ahead of Christine Matterson in second and Marica Dick third.
The veteran and Mountain bike riders had the similar journey as the female riders. Sixty-nine-year-old, overseas-based Guyanese, Monty Parris won the veteran category, while Ozia Macaulay won the Mountain bike category from Richard Charles and Michael Holder.
Speaking at the presentation ceremony after the race, Region Six Chairman, David Armogan noted that the race was held in memory of the late Dr Jagan who always had an interest in the development of sport.
Executive Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), Zulfikar Mustapha reflected on Dr Jagan’s memory.
The race was sponsored jointly by several sport enthusiasts and organised by national cycling coach Hassan Mohamed.
The two final legs are slated for March 13 and 20.