Narine storms past Padlock in battle of Berbicians
Trophy Stall/Flying Ace Cycling 40-miler…
Story and Photos by Brandon Corlette
Top Berbician racing cyclist Balram Narine yesterday “got the better” of his counterpart Andre ‘Padlock’ Green in the 40-mile Trophy Stall/Flying Ace Cycle Club race from the Gas Station at Port Mourant, Corentyne, East Berbice to Number 51 Village and back to the point of origin for the finish of the race.
Narine, outsprinting Padlock to the finish
He stopped the clock at one hour and 45 minutes when he rode in first, closely followed by Padlock, whom a sizable crowd had widely expected to prevail. Andrew Hicks came in third position, while Jeremiah Joseph came in fourth and Mario Washington came in fifth.
In the 12-14 category, newbie on the block, Richard Crandon, reigned supreme, while Aaron Rajnarine came in second, and Raj Mootoo and Shazam Yacob came in third and fourth respectively.
This race was held entirely under scorching sunshine, but Flying Ace top cyclist Narine not only took the top spot, but six sprint prizes as well; while fourth-placed Jeremiah Joseph also emerged as the top juvenile cyclist of the event.
Some of the outstanding cyclists at the Presentation
After the race, Narine disclosed that he was confident of winning. “Before I came into this race, I knew I would have won. I was training during the off season, and guys weren’t”.
Juvenile category winner Jeremiah Joseph
Reflecting on this year, Narine said it wasn’t one of his best years, despite him starting the year with a win and ending in similar fashion. As the 2020 cycling season looms, he has signalled his intention to win more races.
Meanwhile, Flying Ace Cycling Coach and Race Organizer Randolph Roberts hailed this event a success. He thanked Trophy Stall for coming on board for the final race of 2019, and said he is hoping that this race remains an annual event.
Richard Crandon was the top 12-14 cyclist
Further, he thanked the Guyana Police Force for their efforts in conducting an accident-free race, and he thanked the sponsors for coming on board.
However, Roberts expressed disappointment with Regional officials for failing to deliver prizes to the cyclists who had participated in the National Schools Cycling Championships earlier this year.
“Mario Washington broke a record at Nationals, and the top female as well; but the cyclists are not being rewarded,” Roberts lamented.
He noted that champion cyclist Balram Narine has shown great potential, and has predicted that if Narine remains focused, his future as a successful cyclist in the coming years is assured.
