By: Rene Stoby
As a youngster, Raul Leal loved riding, whether it be racing in the streets or doing all sorts of stunts that only children do. In an exclusive interview, the 19 year old who’ll be competing today in the Annual GUYOIL/Castrol 50 mile road race told Guyana Times Sport that at about the age of 11 his uncle, Ray Leal a former cyclist asked him if he was serious about cycling. Raul answered in the affirmative and as the saying goes “the rest is history.”
Leal spoke of his many achievements in cycling including representing Guyana at the Caribbean Junior Championships in Dominica and spending a month in Colombia under some very intense training but stated that his most notable accomplishment would however be his victory at last year’s Tour of Guyana 5-stage race where he prevailed among a very competitive field.
The team Evolution rider says he’s currently training without a coach but tailors his training based on the upcoming race’s course. He said he would use today’s race as a viewing to observe who’s fit and who’s more aggressive as he looks forward to the Guyana Cycling Federation’s National Championships Time Trial and Road Race on June 25th and 26th respectively. He revealed that he’s not the strongest at time trial and regards himself as a complete cyclist but thinks his true strength lies with his endurance.
Raul also shared similar sentiments as others in the local cycling fraternity with the lack of races especially competitive ones and welcomed the return of Raynauth Jeffery as he looks forward to challenging the competition.
The former Team Coco rider also spoke of the many opportunities presented to him that he gave up for various reasons. These opportunities would’ve afforded him to be more exposed to competition especially on the international scene but says he does not regret them.
Raul has a real passion for cycling and seeing his bike is all the motivation he needs.
The South Georgetown resident, Raul Leal would also speak of his horrific accident in 2013 where whilst on his way to train he was hit head on by a minibus. The accident would cause him to be hospitalized for almost a month and during that time he would only “dream of riding.”
