Walter Grant-Stuart wins Victor Macedo Memorial Race

Fresh from the Games in Japan, Guyana’s only Paralympian Walter Grant-Stuart made a grand return to the local scene, stopping the clock at three hours eight minutes and 20 seconds in the Victor Macedo Memorial Race.
The riders battled in sweltering conditions from Thirst Park, into the East Bank carriageway to the Linden-Soesdyke Highway, turning back at the Long Creek School junction and the Yarrowkabra junction, before retracing their route to the finish at Thirst Park.
In the open category, Grant-Stuart was followed by Christopher Griffith of Team Evolution, Andre “Padlock” Green (third); Curtis Dey (fourth); Alexis Mendes (fifth) and Alanzo Ambrose (sixth). In the Under-50 category, Grant-Stuart topped the charts, followed by Mendes, Kwame Ridley, Ralph Williams, and Jaikaran Sukahi in that order.
In the female category, Suzanne Hamilton came in first while Clevicia Spencer copped second. In the Over-50 category, Talim Shaw was in first place, Kennard Lovell came in second and Garfield Larima, third. The lone juvenile was Ajani Cutting.
After the race, Grant-Stuart told Guyana Times Sport that it was a close finish, but he broke away from the pack at the final turn. The Paralympian said it was a good race and he was happy to return in style. He also reflected on his time in Japan at Paralympics, describing it as challenging.
The race, which had 44 starters, was given approval by the National COVID-19 Task Force, and the Guyana Police Force was on the ground.
The cycling season continues with several upcoming races. The most anticipated race is the lucrative “Ounce of Gold” event, which is set for Sunday, October 10, and riders should be at it again, with the race commencing outside Banks DIH, Thirst Park at 07:30h.
The “Ounce of Gold” race, arguably the most anticipated cycle race in Guyana, will turn back at the Coca Cola sign at Dora and at the Yarrowkabra junction. (Brandon Corlette)