NATIONAL Road Race champion, Romello Crawford, stormed to victory in the 46th Harlem Skyscraper Cycling Classic, Men’s Open Pro Cat ½ which was held on Sunday in Harlem, New York.

It was his second victory at the event in three years, but his first at the pro-level.
The 22-year-old was one of several Guyanese cyclists at the prestigious event, which saw riders battling in a circuit format for 75 minutes.

National Time Trials Champion, Raynauth Jeffrey, who rides for Foundation Cycling Club, was in the lead group until the last lap when he was overtaken.

Fellow Guyanese Crawford was more defensive minded and told Chronicle Sport that his plan was to stay with the pack until he needed to attack.

“I was riding defensive. While my team tried to cover the dangerous moves…” After his side weathered the storm, the ace rider was able to break away, and he did it against some top cyclists.
Overall, Crawford’s 75 minutes earned him a total of 38 miles.

Along with the two national champions, several of Guyana’s other top cyclists were at the event, including Independence Race champion, Briton John, former National Road Race champion, Jamual John and seasoned cyclist, Michael Anthony.

Overall, Briton John, of We Stand United Cycle Club, finished eighth, while Jeffrey lost momentum in the final lap to finish 22nd, followed by fellow ‘Foundation’ cyclist, Anthony in 29th position.

Jamual John, Raymond Newton, Horace Burrowes and Yohann Burrowes failed to finish the race, according to the official results.
Some 46 competitors started the event.

TEAM RACE
Crawford told Chronicle Sport that the plan was either to break away with a pair of cyclists or to wait on a field finish.

“It was six of us. Well, we had plan A and B either established two guys on the breakaway, if not we’ll pull it back.”

He said that if it came to a field finish, which it did, he was tasked with going for the win, since he is the fastest.

For the win, the Berbice born cyclist earned US$2500.

In the Master’s Division (40 plus), former President of the GCF, Horace Burrowes, finished eighth, while overseas-based Guyanese, Yohann Burrowes, finished 22 and Newton 23.