… Briton John relegated to fourth position, fined $20 000

ROMELLO Crawford was bumped up to first position of the Guyana Cycling Federation (GCF) National Championships after a protest at the finish line of the event on Sunday morning.
Briton John, who had crossed the line first, was deemed to have done so illegally (deviated from his lane) and after a consultation and deliberations, he was relegated to fourth position.
The GCF announced its decision after discussion with several International Cycling Federation (UCI) Commissionaires.
President of GCF, Linden Dowridge, in a release noted that based on a report submitted by the Racing Secretary of the GCF and UCI Commissionaire Malcolm Sonaram and discussions held with the Caribbean Cycling Federation as well as local and regional UCI Commissionaires, a decision was agreed upon.
“I am in agreement of the official results as presented below and disciplinary measures which have been decided upon in accordance with the UCI Rules and Regulations.”
The results place Berbician Crawford, who crossed the finish line a split second before Paul DeNobrega, as the official winner. According to the results, DeNobrega placed second and his Team Evolution teammate Christopher Griffith third.

Briton’s fourth-place puts him just ahead of Walter Grant-Stuart, who is recorded as finishing 13 seconds after the top four in a time of 4:17:20.
Deeraj Gharbarran placed sixth (4:20:35) and Adealie Hodge (4:29:03) seventh.
Along with being relegated, Dowridge also pointed out that John has been fined $20 000 for the “sprinting infringement”.
Both DeNobrega and Crawford had protested John’s riding on the finish line of the event.
Sonaram noted in his report: “On reviewing the finish line and the footage from the rear cameras it was evident that Mr Briton John started the sprint and deviated from his line on multiple occasions resulting in obstructing the other competitors during the sprint.”

Yesterday evening several UCI Commissionaires and Secretary of the Caribbean Cycling Federation, Cyril Mangal, and a local contingent deliberated the alleged infraction.
As local Commissionaire and Racing Secretary, the decision was left to Sonaram.
“There was compassion expressed with reference to the disqualification, but they insisted that the ultimate decision lies with me, the GCF Racing Secretary pointed out. “I stated unequivocally that he (Briton John) is a repeat offender and needed to be penalised stringently and they understood my case and ultimately consented that the final decision lies with me.”
After deliberations, Sonaram agreed to reduce the punishment to relegation and a fine and not a disqualification.
Twenty-two cyclists started the 100-mile race from Georgetown to the Soesdyke/Linden Highway and back, but only nine completed the task.