“Padlock” aiming to be 1st Guyanese in Tour de France

– sponsorship is biggest challenge

One of Guyana’s finest cyclists, Andre “Padlock” Green, is hoping to one day make his lifelong dream a reality: riding in cycling’s premier event, the Tour de France.
In an exclusive interview with this publication, the Berbician noted that his biggest challenge is getting sponsorship.

His cycling journey began in 2010-11 when his brother returned from St Kitts and Nevis. Green disclosed that his brother has been his biggest inspiration. Green, who started as a beginner, won the first race he rode. He credited his maiden win with the knowledge he had acquired from his brother.

Asked about his aspirations, Green, who hails from Ulverston

Village, Corentyne, Berbice, had this to say: “Well, I want to make a name for myself and my country; to be the first cyclist from Guyana to ride in the Tour de France. Sponsorship has been my biggest challenge. Many times, I will be in a breakaway pack and I have to come out the race. I wouldn’t have a spare wheel, because cycling is a very expensive sport.”
Green is calling on corporate Guyana to show their faith in him with sponsorship.
The world of sport has been going through a testing phase with the global pandemic Covid-19, but Green explained that he has been practising distant training. “I mostly train at home with my personal trainer, and this helps me in races,” Green added.
The gifted cyclist is advising his fellow cyclists to stay fit, which he said is the best feeling ever.
The United We Stand cyclist, who has recorded wins too numerous to mention during his career, has shown great skill in the past. Some of his wins are: champion of the Benjamin Sports race, champion of the Courts race, among others.
He has also featured in the top bracket of Guyanese cyclists in the points classification system. Green missed out on a narrow victory in the open Courts event earlier this year, which saw Team Coco’s Marcus Keiler claiming the win. (Brandon Corlette)