After a fascinating weekend on the saddle which featured gritty back-to-back wins, Jamal John will be a marked man by the peloton during this weekend’s three-stage road race.
Nevertheless, the talented 19-year old wheelsman will be gunning for a trio of consecutive victories when the event gets underway on Saturday morning.
“I’m feeling confident to win the three-stage and make it three races in a row” said the Team Coco’s standout yesterday. “But it’s all about team work so if I don’t win but one of my teammates do, that’s ok.”
John who has had a breakout season following a six-month training and racing stints in Colombia, Trinidad and the USA, stated that his exposure on the international circuit has raised his game immensely.
He acknowledged that he may have a bulls eye on his back come race day, but he is not too worried since his confidence is through the roof and his club mates will ride to protect him once he continues riding with sublime form.
This year’s three-stage fixture essentially replaces the customary ‘Ride For Life’ five-stage road race which is traditionally held when the calendar flips to November.
The event is sponsored by the National Sports Commission and will have a total prize payout to the tune of four hundred thousand dollars ($400,000).
According to Chief Organiser Linden Dowridge, the event will feature two road stages and an individual time trial.
Wheelsmen like the inform Hamza Eastman, Raynauth Jeffrey, Stephano Husbands, Michael Anthony, Marlon Williams, Orville Hinds along with national road race champion, Geron Williams are expected to lead the peloton and battle for podium spots with John. (Emmerson Campbell)
Race Schedule
First Stage: 65 miles (November 5 starting at 7:00am) Georgetown to Mahaicony and back.
Second Stage: 3.5 miles Individual Time (November 5 starting at 3:00pm) Georgetown to Plaisance
Third Stage: 70 miles (November 6 starting at 11:00am) National Park outer circuit 30 laps
