John wins DDL 50-miler after tense sprint with Green and Crawford
Story and photos by Brandon Corlette
Guyana’s premier cyclist Jamual John clinched the Demerara Distillers Limited’s Diamond Mineral Water 50-mile road race, stopping the clock at one hour, 39 minutes, 42 seconds.
Some 42 starters turned out in rainy conditions
A total of 42 cyclists started the contest in wet conditions in Region Three, at Schoonord, West Bank Demerara (Demerara Harbour Bridge’ western end) and headed towards Bushy Park at Parika, before turning back to the point of origin for the grand finish. John got the better of Berbicians Andre “Padlock” Green and Romello Crawford, who finished second and third respectively in a tense sprint home.
Jamual John (centre) edged away in the sprint home against Andre “Padlock” Green (right) and Romello Crawford (left)
Team Evolutions trio Paul DeNobrega, Curtis Dey, and Christopher Griffith came in fourth, fifth, and sixth respectively to top off the senior category. Meanwhile, Alexander Leung was the top junior rider followed by Sherwin Sampson and Adjani Cutting. Kaieteur Attack’s Alex Mendes was the top veteran, followed by Robin Persaud and Junior Niles in that order.
Alex Leung finished with open arms after dominating the junior category
Marica Dick emerged as the best female rider, while Clevicia Spencer came in second. Talim Shaw was awarded for being the oldest cyclist on show. John and Dey won two sprint prizes while Green and Adelie Hodge had one sprint prize each.
Speaking to Guyana Times Sport after the race, champion rider John described the weather as decent, with constant rainfall towards the finish. “It was a nice cool race. I was excited for the finish, because I was expecting a sprint after I got a flat tyre. I was very confident in the sprint, “Padlock” jumped, and I had to go early so I catch him,” John said.
The winners’ row along with officials and sponsors
In terms of his future plans, John said he would be heading towards the United States of America to ply his trade for Team Foundation Cycling Club. He said he was expecting to return to Guyana in September.
This race was the 21st edition sponsored by the DDL Diamond Water brand. The sponsors were present for the presentation ceremony, and the Guyana Police Force had an all-hands-on-deck approach.
