On the back of recent sublime form, Orville Hinds continued his victorious ways yesterday.
After winning the Cran Water 50-mile race in Berbice last Sunday, Hinds took his talents to West Demerara and literally sprinted off with the top honours of the Powerade road race.
The 24 year-old wheelsman showed tenacity and grit throughout the grueling, sun baked 50-mile trek then displayed his sprinting ability on the home straight by surging ahead of Robin Persaud (2nd) and Alonzo Ambrose (3rd) in a thrilling three-man sprint finish.
He stopped the clock in a brisk one hour, 55 minutes and 55 seconds for the event which pedaled off at Wales,proceeded to Parika and returned to Schoonord for the finish.
It was Hinds’ 11th victory for the year.
“It always feels good to win but I’m also glad that it’s on a consistent basis” the rider from the Mining Town told Stabroek Sport following the event.
Hinds along with Persaud, Ambrose, Mario King (4th), Hamza Eastman (5th), Paul DeNobrega (6th), Mark Harris and Marlon Williams changed gears and separated from the peloton at Vreed-en-Hoop on the upward journey.
The eight-strong unit then rode as a team to stretch their lead on the chasers. However, on the way back at Leonora, Hinds changed gears again taking along Persaud and Ambrose on a break away.
The top three then journeyed together until the final 200m. At this point, Ambrose rose from his saddle and a fierce sprint to the line ensued. Ambrose was the virtual winner at about 50m from the line but Hinds and Persaud used their superior sprinting ability to blow by the Caribbean Junior Cycling Championships bronze medalist. Hinds won from Persaud by a few inches.
Event Summary
Top 6 Overall
Orville Hinds
Robin Persaud
Alonzo Ambrose
Mario King
Hamzah Eastman
Paul DeNobrega
Juniors
Alonzo Ambrose
Michael Anthony
Stephano Husbands
Veterans
Ralph Williams
Talim Shaw
Jaikarran Sukhai
Mountain Bikers
Ozia McAlley
Sean Budhan
Wayne Nurse
Ronella Samuels (female) and Walter Isaacs (over 60) were the only starters in their category.
Notes: At the presentation ceremony, the winners and runners up were presented with Powerade and trophies by Outdoor and Events Manager of Banks DIH Limited, Mortimer Stewart.
Brief congratulatory remarks were made to the cyclist for making the event a success by organizer of the race, Hassan Mohamed and Stewart. (Emmerson Campbell)
