Keiler edges Newton to claim GCF National Time Trials crown

KFC Evolution Cycle Club’s Marcus Keiler dethroned last year’s winner and clubmate Aaron Newton by the narrowest of margins on Sunday morning when the Guyana Cycling Federation’s (GCF) National Championships opened with the National Time Trials at the inner circuit of the National Park.
Keiler won both the Overall and Elite categories after clocking 22 minutes, 10 seconds, while Newton was listed just behind in 22:10.6. Newton, however, retained his Under-23 title, while Alexander Leung also repeated as junior champion.
Andre Greene finished third overall in 22:25 and also placed third in the Elite category. Mark Lewis was fourth overall in 22:27 and second in the Under-23 division, followed by Christopher Griffith in 22:34 and Geron Williams in 22:45. Sidwell Sandy placed seventh overall in 22:52, while Ajani Cutting was eighth in 22:53.
In the Under-23 category, Newton led the way ahead of Lewis, Sandy, and Cutting. In the Elite division, Keiler finished ahead of Newton and Greene.
Among the juniors, Leung took the top spot ahead of Alex Newton, while Tandeia Noel won the Ladies Junior category. Denise Jeffrey captured the Ladies Elite title with a time of 12:56.
Nigel London won the Masters 50+ category ahead of Shurland Sue-Hoeng. In the Masters 35+ division, Segun Hubbard finished first, Robin Persaud was second, and Krishtan Jeffrey placed third.
The National Championships will continue on June 21 with the road race along the Linden Junction-Kairuni route. The circuit measures 26 miles per lap, with riders set to contest different distances based on their categories.
Female cyclists will cover one lap for 26 miles, while juveniles will ride one and a half laps for 39 miles, turning back at a designated point on the course. Juniors, Masters 35+ and Masters 50+ competitors will each complete two laps for 52 miles.
The feature Elite and Under-23 categories will cover four laps, totalling 104 miles, in what is expected to be the most demanding race of the championships.
Racing on June 21 will begin with the female category at 08:30h. Juveniles and juniors will start at 09:00h, followed by Masters 35+ riders at 09:30h. The Elite and Under-23 competitors will roll off at 11:00h.
Organisers are encouraging cyclists from across the country to participate, with registration set at $3000.