Team Coco’s Hamzah Eastman made it back to back wins over the Easter weekend as he rode into the finish line on Sunday unchallenged in the 70 mile road race sponsored by Chin Chan Cycle Shop, Team Cocos (Ian Q-B Davis), Tony Chung’s Body Work Shop of New York and Mark Duke (McRae Body Work Shop of New York).
Eastman took two hours 43 minutes and 54 seconds to compete the journey which started with riders assembling in front of the Chin Chan cycling shop then doing a rolling start to the line at Homestretch Avenue then proceeding up the Linden/Soesdyke Highway to turn back at the Coca-Cola sign to finish in Dower Street, Grove.
Hamzah Eastman crosses the finish line at Grove, EBD to complete the Easter weekend clean sweep (Romario Samaroo photo)
For his effort, Eastman collected the prize money of $50,000. and later said that it was a good feeling to win back to back races and it was all about pacing himself through the race as the wind played a crucial factor.
Eastman recalled that he had to distance the pack to make up for the unforeseen such as punctures and mechanical problems.
Even though Eastman finished well ahead of the others, Christopher Griffith rode a splendid race to take the second position while Michael Anthony who returned to the local scene after a stint in French Guiana copped third. Walter Grant-Stuart was the third cyclist to cross the finish line.
Akeem Wilkinson secured fourth while Paul De Nobrega finished fifth while Orville Hinds, who also returned from French Guiana took the sixth spot.
The veteran riders also riding the same distance were led by Warren “40” McKay followed by Leer Nunes and Junior Niles in that order.
The mountain bikers started with the pack but completed the race at the same finishing line without heading to the highway as Keon ‘Duracel’ took the top honours. Julio Melville finished second ahead of Michael Holder in third.
Once again, the lone female rider, PSL’s Deance Welch completed her course which was the same as the mountain bikers.
Briton John led the juniors to the finish line trailed by Jason Cameron and Adealie Hodge in that order.
The race attracted 42 wheelsmen in the open category.
