“Obeah Man” confident of defending title

Digicel Annual Breast Cancer Awareness Cycle Race

Ahead of the 5th Annual Digicel Breast Cancer Awareness Cycle Race billed for this Sunday, two-time defending champion, Team Cocos Raynauth ‘Obeah Man’ Jeffrey has already set his sights on making it three in three.
Jeffrey took last year’s championship in a time of 3:15:32, with Jaime Romeirs (3:16:01) and Marlon Williams (3:16:23) finishing in second and third respectively.

Flashback! Two-time defending champion Raynauth Jeffrey receiving his prize from then  Digicel, CEO Gregory Dean
Flashback! Two-time defending champion Raynauth Jeffrey receiving his prize from then Digicel, CEO Gregory Dean

While in the last few meets, Jeffrey would not have featured in the top spots, the top wheelsman, speaking with Guyana Times Sport  said it was due to an injury sustained from a crash while competing in the Tour of Tobago in September as well as an illness  but has recovered and is ready to defend his title.
“I am ok and my preparations are going well.” Jeffrey stated.
The cyclist noted that he is conscience of his fitness after cramping up and becoming dehydrated in the Kadir Memorial Road Race and has worked to remedy these problems.
However, the talented rider remained that the ideology of being a team player is what they practice in the club and they “are working as a team to win.
With the likes of Junior Niles, Hamza Eastman and Stephano Husbands Jeffrey said “It is a team effort and once one of Team Cocos wins we are alright.”
Jeffrey pointed out that there is not much competition out there for Team Cocos but in particular, the team is watchful of Continental Rider Gerron Williams, Orville Hinds and Shaquille Agard.
Digicel’s Head of Marketing Jacqueline James stated in a previous conference that while the race is about spreading awareness about Breast and all other forms of Cancers affecting persons in society, she would like persons to also celebrate those individuals who have survived the dreaded disease.
This year’s event, which would see fans being treated to Digicel giveaways on the lawns of Camp Ayangana along the JB Singh Highway is dedicated to Digicel staff member Sharon Singh, a survivor of Cancer.
As has been the tradition, James reminded that all participants would be required to pay an entrance fee of $1,000; however, paying more would not be disallowed, the accumulated amount would be matched by Digicel which would then be handed over to the Guyana Cancer Society on behalf of all the cyclists and staff of Digicel.
The much anticipated event takes place on the outer circuit of the National Park, the featured race would attract the senior riders, juniors as well as the Under-45 and Over-45 riders with the veterans’ race finishing after 18 laps and the juniors and seniors going on to complete a 30-lap race after which Digicel representatives will take over to award prizes.
The top 5 senior riders would receive cash awards of $250,000, $200,000, $150,000, $80,000 and $20,000, respectively. The top three juniors are guaranteed, $80,000, $50,000 and $30,000.