Jeffrey leads ‘Duracel’ in 10-lap Mountain bike race
Reigning Time Trial Champion, Raynauth Jeffrey, at the National Park on Sunday out rode Keon ‘Duracell’ Thomas and 13 others to be crowned the champion in the 10-lap Mountain Bike race.
The team Coco rider seemed to have been two levels above the rest, completed the course in a time of 33 minutes 39 seconds (33m39sec). Jeffrey lapped more than half of the competitors and by the fourth lap, it was Jeffrey alone who was lengths ahead of second placed Thomas, even managing to take some time to stop and fix his chain.
Raynauth Jeffrey crosses the finish line without another rider in sight
Thomas, having finished first last week in the same event, was unable to retain his top position, but nevertheless still made an impressive showing and managed to finish second. However, Thomas finished nearly one minute behind Jeffrey.
The closest contest was for the third place position which was eventually won due to the last minute burst by Paul Denobrega to edge Omia Meually who eventually finished fourth. The two riders matched pedal for pedal in the last five laps but coming into the home stretch, Denobrega powered past Meually.
Fifth place was awarded to Jeffrey’s team Coco’s Stephano ‘Sunny’ Husbands. The terrain was a much more challenging course for the riders with the overnight rains; the course was transformed into a slush paradise, perfect for the occasion.
Jeffrey walked away with the $10,000 first place prize, while Thomas was awarded $8,000 and Denobrega won the third place prize of $6000. Meally and Husbands won $5000 and $4000 for fourth and fifth place respectively.
Organiser of the race, Jude Bentley said he is trying to promote mountain bike racing with his aim of having a team for the commonwealth games 2018.
Bentley pointed out the fact that the event has attracted double the amount of riders from the last week and that is to be taken as a positive sign.
The Bicycle store owner said that he has an intention of hosting this event at least two times a month and promote the sport, noting that the country mainly focuses on the road bike races and there is a lot of potential of the other cycling disciplines.
The event was sponsored by Ray Motor Spares and Auto Sales, Team Evolution, Warren Mc Kay, Price Mart and Shay BMF.
Keon Thomas, will be using this event as preparation for the Caribbean Mountain Bike Championship 2016 in St Maarten, along with, Jude Bentley this weekend.
