The yearning of top national cyclist Romello Crawford…

WANTED: more local sponsors

Top national cyclist Romello Crawford began 2020 with two crushing wins, but his rich vein of form was cut short by onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has brought the world of sport to a standstill.

A resident of Number One Village on the Corentyne Coast of East Berbice — home also to West Indies Under 19 player Kevlon Anderson —
Crawford, who often plies his cycling trade overseas (in Canada) spoke to Guyana Times Sport in an exclusive interview in which he reflected on the evolution of his career thus far, and peeked into his future.

He is making an impassioned appeal for local businesses to support outstanding cyclists.
Speaking on how his cycling career started, Crawford disclosed that he was inspired by his cousins. “They used to be riding and stuff, that was seven and one-half years ago, and they were doing really well, so I just picked up the cycle, and it’s actually a bloodline thing,” Crawford posited.
Although he has chalked up numerous wins in local races, Crawford declared that his most memorable win came in the tour of Somerville last year.
Peeking into his future, Crawford thanks ‘The Most High’ for what he has thus far accomplished. “My goal is to get at a more intense level in cycling,” he declared.
Crawford is aiming to be the best possible version of himself. “I already started racing professionally, but I want to be at the highest level,” Crawford noted.
He said he has encountered numerous challenges, but this humble cyclist has remained positive mentally, and stable physically.
Asked how he is coping during this global pandemic, the eager Crawford said he is aiming to return to the cycling tracks, whereon he has been putting in the hard yards of work. “It’s not affecting my training, because I still go out, but some days I can’t ride. Hopefully, it ends soon. My advice to fellow cyclists is to stay fit so you can ride when this is over, hopefully.”
Crawford extends gratitude to his Coach, Desmond Roberts, “whom I met a few years ago, and he has been offering help. I would like to thank my new team in Canada,” he added.
Over the years, Crawford has dominated competition at the local level, and is now regarded as one of the fastest wheelsmen in Guyana. He has also gained recognition in foreign territories where he had gone to represent Guyana at the Pan American U-23 Games. (Brandon Corlette)