Star cyclist, Briton John provided a reminder of his pedigree on the saddle during this past weekend, riding to victory in every leg of this year’s Independence Three-Stage Road Race.
In an unprecedented achievement, John completed the clean sweep of the 41st edition of the prestigious fixture after soloing to victory yesterday on Homestretch Avenue in the third and final leg (67 miles) which rolled off on the hills of Linden.
Prior to his flawless heroics on Sunday, the standout wheelsman from the United We Stand Bikers Club, pedaled to victory in the initial legs on Saturday. On Saturday morning, John won the 40-mile first stage from Corriverton to New Amsterdam. A few hours later, John biked to victory in the grueling 62-mile second leg which was staged from the Berbice Bridge to CARIFESTA Avenue.
Following the event, it was noted that John’s clean sweep of all three legs which earned him 45 points, a feat that has never been achieved in the history of the event.
In a post-race interview with the media, John stated that he was impressed with his recent form on the circuit and stated that his ultimate goal is to clinch a berth at this year’s Summer Olympic Games in Paris, France. The standout rider is also expected to represent the Golden Arrowhead at the Pan Am Road Cycling Championships which commences today in Brazil.
Meanwhile, Trinidadian Enriques De Camarand (34 points) and Cortis Dey (25 points) joined John on the podium. Joryn Simpson (15 points), Robin Persaud (13 points) and Paul DeNobrega (12 points filled out the top six rewarding positions.
The top six male riders were rewarded with cash prizes from G$160,000 to G$50,000.
On the distaff side, Trinidadian Chyanne Awai mirrored John’s achievement in the female category with a sweep of her own.
Loffe Keikis of Suriname and Guyana’s Abigail Jeffrey finished second and third, receiving G$20,000 and G$15,000, respectively, while Awai received the first prize of G$40,000.
Alexander Leung was the top junior, followed by Sidwell Sandy, while Alex Newton won the juvenile title.
Director of Sport, Steve Ninvalle applauded the cyclists for an exceptional job and once again challenged the Guyana Cycling Federation to expand the race to other parts of the country, noting Region Two and Region Three as potential new routes.
Ninvalle further disclosed that the government will assist John in attending the Pan American Championships.
The event was organized by Guyana Cycling Federation in partnership with the National Sports Commission.
