By Colin Bynoe Jr.
Trojan Cycle Club of Berbice is having a dream start to its 2018 cycling season taking three top racing victories thus far for the year.
Curtis Dey rode to victory in the National Park’s feature 35-lap contest last month while Romello Crawford pedaled to victory in the Guyana Cycling Federation (GCF) season opener Points Race.

The 19-year-old Crawford continued his red-hot form as he emphatically pedaled his way to win in a time of two hours 9 minutes and 53 seconds.
This event signaled the 10th edition of Courts New Amsterdam Branch Cycle road race. The race commenced in front of Courts, then proceeded to Nand Persaud rice mill, number 35 village after which they turned back to the place of origin for the finish.

A field of 44 starters commences the challenging 50-mile pedal.
Crawford led the charge from the onset that separated him from the pack on the course of the upward journey.
Nine riders were in a ding-dong attack on each other as they staged some form of excitement for the outlining supporters. The riders steadily staked their claim for a rousing finish in the downward journey, which saw several mini breaks.

United’s Hamzah Eastman started the attack on the pack of riders. At this point Crawford was in a conservative mood but the Challenge of Eastman resulted in Crawford developing a fresh approach distancing him from the pack as he broke away at Port Mourant.
In the closing stages of the race Eastman, Paul DeNobrega and Andrew Hicks were Crawford’s closes challengers. Crawford sped to victory at the finish in an exciting manner to much delight of his supporters

Hamzah Eastman did his best for second while Paul DeNobrega’s late surge earn him a pleasing third place closing off were Andrew Hicks with fourth, 5th Junior Niles, 6th Deraj Ghabaran, 7th Walter Grant Stuart and 8th Jamal John rounding off the top 8 finishers.
In the veteran grouping, Junior Niles took the top spot even as Jaiaaran Sookhai and Paul Choo-Wee-Nam were second and third respectively.

The Juvenile category saw two riders Jonathan Ramsuchit claiming the win and David Hicks second. While for the female riders Shenika Tiexeira rode to victory, as Maria Carrington had to settle for second. A special incentive was awarded to Monty Paris for his valiant efforts in participating in various races. Paris is a 71 year old.

There were also prizes for Flying Ace club Cyclist Balram Narine and Ralph Seenarine.
The little ones were on show also in the BMX 6-9 and 9-12 age groups. Nashun Rigby was the lone cyclist in the BMX 6-9 age Group. In the BMX 9-12, four young and exciting riders were on show as Jaheme Henry who travelled all the way from Linden hurried his way to victory. In second position were Nehum Rigby, third Shaquille Dow and Fourth Munish Bhowandin.

Speaking at the simple presentation of trophies and cash incentives Courts Berbice Branch Manager Stanley Mckenzie showered words of thanks to the cyclists and all the spectators who were present.

“Courts is here to fill the needs of our people within the community with the services we extend, the products and also the social needs, we see sports as one of the medium to promote a strong community,” He said.

He went on to urge the riders to continue to support the Courts races and he promises that this event will be a calendar event in New Amsterdam every year.