Briton John clinches Urban Benjamin Memorial Gold race

Story and photos By Brandon Corlette in Essequibo

Fresh from a solid season in the United States of America, We Stand United star rider Briton John clinched the fourth annual Urban Benjamin Memorial Gold race in Essequibo, stopping the clock at two hours 45 minutes and 55 seconds.

A total of 34 starters took centre stage under scintillating sunshine at a buzzing Charity and raced towards Supenaam, before returning to the point of origin, covering 74 miles. Briton, who rode solo in the final stages to claim victory, was followed by the red-hot Jamual John, who rode in second, and national champion Romello Crawford, who came in third. Army-man Alonzo Ambrose was fourth, beating Andrew Hicks (fifth) and Andre “Padlock” Green (sixth).

In the female category, the queen of Guyana’s roadways, Suzanne Hamilton dominated to claim the top spot while Clivecia Spencer and the returning Marica Dick completed the podium in that order in a 35-mile race from Charity to Anna Regina and back. Paralympian Walter Grant-Stuart then beat Horace Burrowes in a sprint home for the veteran Under-50 title. Paul Choweenam came in third in that category.

Ian Jackson was the top Over-50 rider while Garfield Lorrimer placed second and Neil Gomes came in third. Top junior, Berbician Mario Washington continued his good season, topping his category while Team Alanis’ Sherwin Sampson came in second and Aaron Newton third.

As it happened
The Essequibians came out in their numbers, viewing the race from their homes and the roadways. Some 34 riders transformed the roadways into their play-field, but 10 minutes into the race, a major accident occurred, which left two of Team Evolution riders in shock, suffering injuries. Christopher Griffith and Segon Hubbard were the injured riders while Paul DeNobrega was also affected.
The three big guns – Jamual, Briton and Crawford attacked early – and enjoyed a huge gap which they maintained throughout the race. Briton claimed the first and fourth sprint prize while Crawford had the second and third sprint prizes and Jamual had the other sprint prize.
A pack of top riders found it difficult to chase the big three, but 20 minutes after they turned back, Green, Hicks and Ambrose attacked. It was off the radar to close the gap set by the top three, and the other trio that completed the top six entertained the Cinderella county.
Eventually, it was Briton who rode away from Crawford and Jamual to claim gold, while Ambrose pipped Hicks and Green in a close sprint home.
This race was the fourth annual Urban Benjamin Memorial road race and was professionally organised by Evolution Cycle Club and sponsored by Conrad Gomes.

The late Benjamin was a cycling enthusiast who met his demise following an All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) accident while working in the interior. Sponsor Conrad Gomes and his company in an effort to keep the memory of a good worker alive, decided to host this event for the lad who hailed from Pomeroon. The Guyana Police Force (GPF) had an all-hands-on-deck approach during the race.