IN what can be described as a tactical move, Warren `40’ McKay, after trailing a trio of riders for most of 35 laps, sprang a surprise,with just about approximately 400 metres remaining in the 36-mile event,to clinch victory.
The activity was the feature 35-lap race of the 11-race programme sponsored by Banks DIH, under its Powerade Brand and which was staged around the inner circuit of the National Park on Saturday and was coordinated by cycle-coach Hassan Mohamed.
The feature event saw Paul DeNobrega, Christopher Griffith and Jamal John dominating the event from as early as the third lap and between them, they shared seven of the eight prime prizes that were up for grabs with John claiming five and DeNobrega two. The other prime was won by Nigel Dugid.
McKay registered one hour 21 minutes 45 seconds in winning the event ahead of DeNobrega, John, Griffith, Alonzo, Ambrose and Mario King,respectively.
After three laps of intense rivalry were completed, DeNobrega, John and Griffith broke from the pack and no other cyclist responded.However,after the completion of 17 laps, McKay made his move and closed in on the leaders and with approximately 400 metres remaining,the three leaders started the `Cat and Mouse’ game and McKay, like the bigger `Cat’, pounced on the trio and being the powerful sprinter he is, sailed past them (trio) and won easily.
Dugid won the 10-lap event for juveniles in a time of 23 minutes 29 seconds from Briton John and Marcus Keiler, respectively.
Junior Niles won the five-lap race for veterans under 50 years of age. Second was Leer Nunes and finishing third was Ian `Dumb Boy’ Jackson.
Kennard Lovell was the winner of the five-lap race for veterans over 50 years of age,ahead of Linden Blackman.
Sean Budhan won the five-lap race for mountain bikers. Second was Ryan Canterbury and finishing third was Wayne Nurse.
David Hinds won the three-lap race for boys and girls 12-14 years of age.