Sixty-six-year-old racing cyclist Harry Lall rode his final lap last Friday when he succumbed to injuries he sustained when a speeding minibus slammed into him while he was on a training ride last month.
The popular National Park inner circuit veteran cyclist was hit by a minibus on the afternoon of February 4 just off Sheriff Street while he was heading for the East Coast. He suffered spinal injuries and was hospitalized at Prasad’s Hospital where he had surgery before being sent home to recuperate.
Last Friday morning he was chatting with a close friend on the telephone about how he intends to keep fit in future. However, before the day ended he had to be rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital by ambulance after suffering breathing difficulties. And before nightfall he had succumbed.
Harry, a jeweler, was a member of the Carlton Wheelers Cycle Club and in his youth rode in track and road races against some of the then reigning cycling stars. He was also a ‘regular’ following road races on his motorcycle or in his pickup, and was never shy to place a wager on his favourite riders.
Ironically, many years ago he lost his only son in a road accident after he was hit by a car while he was riding to school.
One of the first expressions of condolence to Harry Lall’s grieving family and friends came from US-based Coordinator of the Guyana Cycling Federation of North America (GCANA), Victor Rutherford, a yesteryear Guyanese cycling star who previously lived in Alexander Village near Harry who grew up there.
A family member said that she was informed by the police that an autopsy performed on his body on Monday morning gave the cause of death as complications arising from a fractured spine.
Harry is to be cremated at the Good Hope Crematorium, East Coast Demerara tomorrow. His body will be at his Toucan Drive, South Ruimveldt Gardens home for viewing from 10:00am to 11:30am before being taken to the cremation site.
In honour of his memory several racing cyclists will be riding along the route leading the hearse with his body to Good Hope.
He leaves to mourn his wife Sheila, his two daughters Indira and Sandy, four sisters, one brother, friends and the cycling fraternity.
