John dominates field to win Benjamin Memorial 70-mile road race
Star rider, Jamual John returned to the local cycling scene with a bang yesterday.
John brought his talents back to Guyana following a successful five-month stint on the USA racing circuit and dominated the inaugural Wilbert Benjamin Memorial 70-mile road race in Berbice.
The 24 year-old impressively soloed to victory in a commanding five minutes ahead of second place finisher, Marcus Keiler in the event which was staged in front of the Benjamin’s Sports Store in Fyrish to Springlands and back. A minute after Keiler, Paralympian, Walter GrantStuart out sprinted the remnants of the peloton to claim the other podium spot ahead of Andre Green in a fierce duel at the line that had the fans lining the streets buzzing with excitement.
In a crisp neon green Team Coco’s outfit, John made hay in the brilliant sunshine, turning up the heat at the turn back point on the peloton and never looked back as he snared seven of the 10 sprint prizes.John who had seven podium finishes inclusive of five wins while racing overseas, stated that he returned home in sublime form and it showed.
The wheelsman who was the marked man in the peloton will again have to rely on solo heroics when the Kadir Mohamed Memorial ‘Ounce of Gold’ road race is staged on Sunday.
In a post-race interview, John, who rode for Team Foundation while in the USA, stated that he will be gunning to add another first trophy to his palmarès in six days.
Quick Results Top 8 Overall
Jamual John Marcus Keiler Walter Grant Stuart Andre Green
Alex Mendes
Paul DeNobrega Chris Griffith Kemuel Moses
Veterans
Grant-Stuart
Mendes
Paul Choo-Wee-Nam
Juniors
Aaron Newton Alex Leung
Mario Washington
Female
Clavecia Spencer
Yesterday’s event was staged to celebrate the life of former cycling standout, Wilbert
Benjamin who passed away last year. He would have celebrated his 51st birth anniversary today. His wife, Yvette Benjamin stated that the fixture will continue on
an annual basis in his honour.
Benjamin succumbed to head injuries last August after being involved in a vehicular accident.