Leal aiming to repeat as Powerade 50 mile champion
Defending champion, Raul Leal has made it clear that he will has set his eyes on riding off with the 6th annual Powerade 50 mile road race title when the big guns meet at this year’s Powerade 50 mile road race this Sunday.
The event which rides from Wales Police Station to Bushy Park, Parika and back to Schoonord for the finish, was won by the Team Gillette Evolution’s ace rider, Leal in a time of one hour, 55 minutes, 10 seconds (01h: 55m: 10s) in 2015.
Defending Powerade 50-mile road race champion Raul Leal is preparing for his title defence
Speaking with Guyana Times Sport, Leal noted that he was not in competitive shape but has already begun his training to return to glory, indicated that it will be a tough task.
“Going into the event on Sunday it is going to be a bit challenging for me because I am not in racing condition right about now and this is mainly because I have not been training as much recently as I should have.” Leal stated. However, the Team Gillette Evolution rider said that all is not lost on his chances and there are much that can be done to prepare for the Sunday feature including the De Sinco’s Degree deodorant 11-race Cycling programme which will pedal off on the inner circuit of the National Park on Saturday.
“On Saturday, the featured 35-lap school boys and Invitational event will be used as preparation heading into Sunday when I defend my title.” Leal said. Speaking on the competition in this year’s edition, the young champion identified a key aspect of the race meet but still pointed out a few riders who he will be looking to contain.
“We do not have stiff competition right now because most of the guys are in the United States competing but most of the treats I think will be coming from my Evolution team-mates such as Michael Anthony, Orville Hinds and Paul De Nobrega.” The defending champion highlighted. Currently, Leal is without a coach but is not too worried, having made good of his solo move but in looking to the future, the youngster will consider a coach as he progresses.
“I don’t have a coach at the moment and things are going pretty well and I don’t have intentions of getting one until I migrate and pick up my career overseas.” Leal said. Come Saturday, riders will turn out at the inner circuit of the National Park where they will compete in the DeSinco sponsored, Degree 11-race Cycling competition which is organized by National Cycling coach, Hassan Mohamed while on Sunday, Mohamed will partner with Banks D.I.H. for the 6th annual Powerade 50 mile road race in Region three.
