By Michelangelo Jacobus

TEAM Coco’s cyclist Jamual John surged to his first victory of 2018 in the feature 35-lap Schoolboys and Invitational race of the 14th annual Universal Auto and General Supplies 11-race cycle meet yesterday at the inner circuit of the National Park.

John, who has been searching for his first win of the season since the turn of the year, won comfortably, leading throughout the race and finishing by a gap of at least five cycle lengths to dethrone last year’s winner Hamzah Eastman.

He finished his race in a time of one hour 15 minutes 12.9 seconds ahead of second-placed Deeraj Garbarran while Eastman had to settle for third.

GDF’s Alonzo Ambrose came in fourth and he was followed by David Hicks and Raymond Newton, fifth and sixth in that order.

Speaking to Chronicle Sport after his victory, John pointed out that while it “felt great to notch up my first win of the year”, he’s looking to transfer his current form to today’s Powerade 46-miler road race.

David Hicks grabbed three of the eight sprint prizes while John, Garbarran, Newton, Eastman and Ambrose settled for one each.

Over in the Junior category, Ajay Gopilall triumphed over Adealie Hodge and Briton John in that order.

Lear Nunes was first across the finish line in the Veterans U-45 race. He was followed by Syvourn Fernandes and Paul Thomas in second and third respectively.

In the Over-50 event Ian Jackson copped top honours ahead of Kennard Lovell and Linden Blackman.

In the 12-14 Boys’ and Girls’ category David Hicks triumphed over Jonathan Ramsuchit and Jumar Heyliger while Jared Barrington took first place in the Boys and Girls 6-9 race ahead of Jessica Mohabir.

Shameer Baksh of Universal Auto and General Supplies was on hand to present the successful cyclists with their trophies and prizes.

Action will now head over today to the West Demerara roadways for the 8th annual Powerade 46-miler road race where all eyes will be on John who won last year’s edition.

The race is scheduled to begin at 08:30hrs at the Demerara Harbour Bridge (Schoonord) and proceed to Bushy Park, East Bank Essequibo before returning to finish at the point of origin.