On the back of recent sublime form, Hamza Eastman continued his victorious ways yesterday.
One week after winning the Caribbean Wellness Day event on the East Coast of Demerara, the Team Coco’s wheelsman took his talents to the Ancient County and literally sprinted off with the top honors of the Irene Benjamin 75th birth anniversary road race.
The 19-year-old national rider showed tenacity and grit throughout the grueling 50-mile sun baked trek then displayed his sprinting ability on the home straight by surging ahead of his break away mates in the bunch sprint.
The consistent performer led Marlon ‘Fishy’ Williams and Team Alanis’ Paul DeNobrega onto the podium while his club mates Stephano Husbands and Raynauth Jeffrey along with Robin Persaud completed the top six paid positions.
Husbands who also won the junior category, carted off three of the eight sprint prizes. Two apiece went to Persaud and DeNobrega while the other went to Jeffrey in the Benjamin Sports, Sales and Services sponsored event.
Quick Results
Top Six Overall
Hamza Eastman
Marlon Williams
Paul DeNobrega
Stephano Husbands
Raynauth Jeffrey
Robin Persaud
Juniors
Stephano Husbands
Michael Anthony
Jamal John
Veterans
Junior Niles
Jaikaran Sukhai
Gary Benjamin
The race which rolled off in front of the Fyrish based store saw Eastman, DeNobrega, Jeffrey and Persaud separating from the rest of the starters after about 15 miles of racing.
Alanzo Greaves, Husbands, Williams and Chris Holder formed a chase pack and went in pursuit of the leaders.
However just before the turn back point at NO.66 Village, a cow ran into the path of the chasers, hitting Greaves off of his saddle.
Despite the unfortunate incident, the three riders in pursuit promptly connected with the leaders.
The seven-man unit then rode in tandem to hold off the rest of the starters throughout the remainder of the event which ended at the point of origin.
As customary with about 200m from the finish, team work was an afterthought and a sprint for victory ensued.
Persaud first rose from his saddle, Williams followed causing a domino effect but Eastman had just enough left in the tank to edge out his break away mates.
