President Ali leads tributes to cycling stalwart Hassan Mohamed

President Dr Irfaan Ali has led tributes to former national cycling coach and stalwart Hassan Mohamed, who died on Friday morning, describing him as one of the country’s most recognisable and dedicated sporting figures.
President Ali said Mohamed devoted decades of his life to developing cycling as a national coach, organiser and mentor, while nurturing successive generations of riders.
“His name is indelibly etched into the history of the local sport,” the President said.
Mohamed organised countless cycling meets, particularly around the inner circuit of the National Park, and helped many young riders develop into serious competitors. According to President Ali, he transformed the circuit into a classroom, testing ground, and launch pad for emerging talent.

As national coach, Mohamed identified promising riders, sharpened their abilities, and gave them the confidence to compete. Many cyclists who later represented Guyana or established themselves locally first developed under his guidance.
The President said Mohamed nurtured a strong culture of competition and provided the continuity that carried cycling through changing times.
“His final ride is over, but the sport will continue to be propelled by generations of cyclists, coaches and administrators inspired by his example,” President Ali said.
The Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport and the National Sports Commission (NSC) also joined the country in mourning Mohamed’s passing. Minister Charles Ramson Jr; Minister within the Ministry, Steven Jacobs and Director of Sport, Steve Ninvalle described him as a central pillar of cycling development in Guyana for more than four decades.
Mohamed began riding competitively in the late 1950s and ended his career as a cyclist in the early 1970s. He was later credited with introducing circuit racing in Guyana through the use of the National Park’s inner circuit.
That venue became a breeding ground for young riders through the NSC’s annual “Teach Them Young” programme, which introduced hundreds of cyclists to the sport. Mohamed also continued organising races there to provide riders with regular opportunities to develop.

His contributions extended beyond Guyana, as he managed cyclists at regional and international competitions. He also played a major role in the Inter-Guiana Games, where riders developed under his guidance frequently excelled against competitors from Suriname and French Guiana.
The Guyana Cycling Federation (GCF) said Mohamed was the driving force behind the “Teach Them Young” programme and was instrumental in nurturing several champions, including Marlon “Fishy” Williams, Robin Persaud, and Linden Dowridge.
The Federation revealed that it had been preparing to revive the programme in 2027 and hoped Mohamed would have been present to open the proceedings. It is now seeking to work with the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport to organise a simple but meaningful tribute before his burial.
President Ali, the Ministry, the NSC and the GCF extended condolences to Mohamed’s family, relatives, friends, and the wider cycling fraternity.