Shaquel Agard kicked off the month of March in fine style yesterday, soloing to victory in the 20th edition of the Cheddi Jagan Memorial road race in Berbice.
The Linden Bauxite Flyers standout who won the last leg and finished second overall in the Burnham Memorial Three-Stage road race last week, took his talents to the Ancient County and once again bested a field of premier wheelsmen.
After recording several top five finishes and securing two wins in November last season, Agard was voted 2016’s most improved cyclist.
This season, it has not taken long for the cerebral rider to occupy the top podium spot and everyone in the peloton has taken notice.
In his first signature win of the year, the 20-year old completed the 55-mile trek from New Amsterdam to NO.55 Village and back to Port Mourant in a brisk two hours, six minutes and 54 seconds. Agard almost shaved off 10 minutes from last year’s winning time (2m: 15m.10s) which was recorded by Marlon Williams.
He also carted off a sprint prize in leading his break away mate, Alonzo Ambrose across the line.
Team Coco’s Hamza Eastman out sprinted the remnants of the peloton to finish third with Paul DeNobrega, Orville Hinds and Michael Anthony close behind.
The 35 strong peloton started the event at fast clip, with Eastman, Stephano Husbands, Paul Choo-We-Nam and Ambrose setting the pace.
At the turn back point, the peloton reconnected with the leaders and a series of attacks ensued.
Agard along with the top five then settled into a nice groove to create some separation.
At the village of Whim, Ambrose proceeded on a solo mission which caught the attention of the tireless Agard who responded to the challenge.
With about a mile before the finish, Agard changed gears and never let up to record his first signature win of 2017.
According to organizer of the event, Hassan Mohamed, his cycling calendar will continue on Saturday in the National Park.
Quick Results
Seniors
Shaquel Agard
Alonzo Ambrose
Hamza Eastman
Paul DeNobrega
Orville Hinds
Michael Anthony
Juniors
Curtis Dey
Marcus Keiler
Mountain Bike
Shane Bourne
Nicholas Alphonso
Julio Melville
Veteran
Junior Niles
Ian Jackson
Sybourne Fernandes
Female
Shinieka Texeira
Deance Welch
Prior to the start of the event, comments were made by former Director of Sport, Neil Kumar and Regional Chairman, David Armogan. They both spoke fondly of the late president and also encouraged the cyclists to do their best on and off the saddle.
