In overcast conditions in the Ancient County, Berbice, the dynamic duo of Andrew Hicks and David Hicks blazed the trail together to dominate the 45-mile Marcel Crawford Memorial race, stopping the clock at one hour 57 minutes.
The race, which began at Sukhpaul Gas Station in New Amsterdam, turned at Number 51 Police Station and finished at Alness Village, in front of the late Marcel Crawford’s residence. The impressive Hicks brothers came in together with hands raised, to claim first and second position. After a huge gap, Mario Washington came in third position while veteran Syborne Fernandes pedalled in fourth and Ralph Seenarine pedalled in fifth.
The cyclists at the presentation along with officials and sponsors of the race
The Hicks took five sprint prizes each. In the junior category, David finished first, Washington pedalled in second position while Jeremiah Joseph rode third. Fernandes and Fitzroy Tang emerged as the top riders in the veterans category.
As it happen
Twenty-three starters shaped up at the Sukhpaul Gas Station, where the battle for supremacy began. Owing to rainfall in the New Amsterdam area, the race, which was initially set to pedal off at0 8:30h, commenced at 09:10h.
Andre “Padlock” Green had an ordinary showing on his return to cycling
After the starting pack held their own, the younger of the Hicks siblings, David, broke away at Number 19 and his brother followed suit and set the tone early. The duo maintained the pace and while passing Alness, the Hicks took a huge lead over a pack of seven which included village boy Andre “Padlock” Green. That gap was maintained by the Hicks brothers, who came in with hands raised. Veteran Junior Niles was not part of the race, but he was seen riding, conducting training.
Upon the return, the pack of seven which included Green, Seenarine, Fernandes, Tang and company shifted gear at Eversham village. Washington edged away and the breakaway began. The young Washington of the Flying Ace Cycling Club then left the pack behind.
Syborne Fernandes won the battle against Ralph Seenarine
Reactions
After the race, the Hicks brothers spoke to Guyana Times Sport exclusively and expressed delight with their performance. “The race was not that bad, but the wind was tough. We had our plan to ride away as soon as we reached Number 19, where we just inter-changed and carry the pace up,” Andrew said.
Meanwhile, his brother David said the race was like normal training and the weather was good, with little sunshine and more cool conditions. The disciplined duo said they were training for the national championships and they were aiming to gain condition for that event. Andrew said this was a great win and he was hungry for a win after all his hard work. He is aiming to gather momentum for the upcoming races in Guyana. “Once I find condition, you will see more like this,” Hicks added.
The dynamic Hicks duo dominated the field
Meanwhile, the sponsor of the race, Franco Crawford said this first memorial race was the beginning of more. He revealed that the next event would be open to all cyclists in Guyana and the race would conclude at the street of the Alness Turf Club, which is more safe and secure to finish the race, in contrast to the Alness turn. Franco, who is based in London and is the nephew of the late Attorney Marcel Crawford, also thanked all the supporters.
