Briton John conquers all

Grenville Felix Memorial Race 2019…

By Brandon Corlette

Briton John overcame a field of highly competitive racing cyclists to reign supreme in the much anticipated sixth annual Grenville Felix Memorial Cycle Race held in East Berbice on Sunday.

He completed the gruelling 60-mile circuit of the race –from East Canje to Number 51 Village, Corentyne and back — in a time of 2 hours, 40 minutes, 37 seconds, to finish the race with ease minutes ahead of his fellow city cyclists.
Defending 2018 Felix Memorial Champion and 2019 National Cycling Champion, Jamaul John, finished in second position by outsprinting Linden’s Michael Anthony (third) and Team Evolution’s Paul De Nobrega (fourth).
Ajay Gopilall, Guyana’s 2019 Junior Cycling Champion, finished in fifth position, while Kemaul Moses rode in sixth position.

Apart from Gopilall, the other Berbicians among the top finishers were Romello Crawford, who rode in seventh, and Andrew Hicks, who came in eighth position.
‘Sprint boss’ Anthony took two sprint prizes, as did De Nobrega and John. Hicks and Andre ‘Padlock’ Greene took one sprint prize each.
In the Veterans’ category, Guyana Cycling Federation (GCF) President Horace Burrowes reigned supreme, while Paul Choo-Wee-Nam rode in second position and Alexis Mendes came in third.
In the Juveniles’ category, Flying Ace rider Mario Washington dethroned Steve Bhimsen (second) and Jeremiah Joseph (third).
In the 12-14 category, Linden lad Mark Lewis of the Bauxite Cycle Club emerged champion, with Aaron Rajnarine (second) and Shazim Yakub third. Maria Washington was the lone female cyclist competing.

The event commenced at 13:15 hrs in scorching sunshine from Felix’s birthplace, Betsy Ground East Canje, and the wheelsmen raced down the Berbice roadways towards the turning point at Number 51 Village Corentyne, before returning to East Canje for the finish.
Speaking to this reporter after the race, champion rider Briton John said he was delighted with his polished performance. He explained that it was a difficult race because of the numerous attacks; there were two breaks going up and two heading back, he noted.
John said it was not until the final four or five miles in the race before he realised that he had the race proverbially in his pocket. He added that the roadway used was fast and the race was a smooth one overall.
After the race, the cyclists gathered at the Grenville Felix residence for the presentation ceremony. They were treated to food and beverages before commencement of the official presentation ceremony.
Always well supported, the Grenville Felix Memorial Race continues to be an impressive event in the Ancient County. It is sponsored by the Felix family, and is usually organised by Flying Ace Cycling Coach Randolph Roberts.
New Amsterdam Mayor Winfred Haywood, gracing the auspicious event with her presence, has described the event as successful.