“Red hot” Jamaul John set to defend Rodrigues title today
Fresh from a victory over an impressive field of cyclists in a gruelling race in Linden on August 1, National Cycling Champion Jamaul John will battle with his fellow wheelsmen today, Sunday August 4, 2019, in the 15th annual Regan Rodrigues Memorial 45-Mile road race, which commences at the Demerara Harbour Bridge and proceeds to Bushy Park at Parika, East Bank Essequibo, before returning for an epic finish at the Demerara Harbour Bridge.
Team Coco’s Jamaul John (right) receiving his first prize entitlement from a member of the Rodrigues family
Organised by National Cycling Coach Hassan Mohammed, this event pedals off from 8:30h, and among the top wheelsmen from across the country who would be contesting for supremacy are Michael Anthony, Briton John and Paul De Nobrega. Thus today’s event promises to be beyond exciting.
The first six finishers among the senior riders, as well as the top three juniors, top three veterans, top three upright cyclists, top two females, and the first veteran over 60 years old, would each receive a prize.
Eight sprint prizes would also be up for grabs.
The late Regan Rodrigues had been a former President of the Guyana Cycling Federation (GCF) and of the Carlton Wheelers Cycle Club. He had also been a Motor Racing Champion and sports enthusiast. This race, in honour of his memory, is sponsored by Ricks and Sari Argo Industries Limited.
Jamaul John, who had completed this race in one hour, 41 minutes and 38 seconds, was the 2018 winner in the senior (open)category, while Adealie Hodge was the junior champion. Paul Choo-Wee-Nam was champion in the veteran class in 2018, while Julio Melville had reigned supreme in the Upright category. Ian Jackson had won the veteran over-50 race in 2018.
Reagan Rodrigues, who was born on February 21, 1948 and died on August 4, 2004, was more known in the sporting fraternity as a race car driver, and had been conferred with several racing championship honours.
