The accomplished and in-form Jamaul John held off formidable challenges from Geron Williams and Paul DeNobrega on Sunday to cop his first Powerade 50-miler Road Race over at West Demerara.
Winner of the seventh annual Powerade 50-Miler Road Race, Jamaul John collects his trophy from Powerade Brand Manager Errol Nelson
It was another fast-paced race with the sprint to the finish line a close one; John won by half of a bicycle wheel, with DeNobrega breathing down his neck while Williams had to settle for third place this time around.
In recent races, John has been defeated by Williams so he sported a big grin after his feat.
Speaking to Guyana Times Sport after his victory, John said it was a wonderful feeling as that was the first time he has won the event in its seven-year history.
The race began at the Demerara Harbour Bridge instead of the scheduled starting point at the Wales Police Station on account of “bad road” conditions. It was Williams who initiated the breakaway en route to the turnback point at Bushy Park; he was followed by as many as 20 riders and among the last to give chase was John. He eventually caught up with the leader and never let him out of his sight; surprisingly, Williams, who is known for his clinical sprint finishes, was beaten as the lanky Team Coco’s rider surged past to take the race in a time of one hour 35 minutes and 15 seconds.
Finishing in fourth, fifth and sixth positions were Akeem Wilkinson, Walter Stuart-Grant and Silvio Innis respectively.
In the veterans’ category, Warren McKay staved off last year’s winner Junior Niles to land first place while Ian “Dumb Boy” Jackson came in third.
Nigel Duguid pedalled off with top honours for the junior cyclists, with Briton John and Adealie Hodge finishing second and third in that order.
Talim Shaw triumphed over Julio Melville to win the Mountain Bike race as Hosea McAulay settled for third.
Powerade Brand Manager at Banks DIH, Errol Nelson was on hand to present the various winners with their trophies and prizes. (Michelangelo Jacobus)
