Raul Leal kicked off the month of August in fine style yesterday winning the feature 35-lap event of the 14th annual Seven Seas 11-race programme at the National Park.
The Carlton Wheelers rode a tactical race to take the spoils of the exiting event in a brisk one hour, 17 minutes and 56 seconds. He led break away mates, Jamal John and Shaquel Agard on the podium while Alonzo Ambrose, Deeraj Garbarran and Paul DeNobrega who unfortunately suffered a puncture, filled out the top six positions.
John however carted off half of the eight sprint prizes while two went to Garbarran. DeNobrega and Ambrose pocketed one apiece.
Leal and the rest of the top six wheelsmen broke away from the peloton in the initial lap then proceeded to build an insatiable lead with every powerful turn of their pedals. The lead ballooned and with 20 laps to go, the peloton was caught and lapped.
But bad luck soon struck DeNobrega when he suffered a puncture. Leal, however, stole the day by producing a dominant solo effort in the final lap and went on to win unchallenged as John, Agard and Garbarran battled for the lesser positions in a fierce sprint to the line.
Other winners yesterday included: Jonathan Ramsuchit (Boys and Girls 12-14) Ian Jackson (Veteran U-50), Kennard Lovell (O-50), Nigel Duguid (Juveniles), Nigel Jacobs (Mountain Bike), Jose Rodrigues (BMX 6-9) and Zab James (BMX 9-12). Leal has the opportunity to up his win total today at West Demerara with the staging of the 14th annual Reagan Rodrigues Memorial 50-mile road race. The event which starts at Wales, proceeds to Bushy Park and returns to Schoonord for the finish, will roll off at 08:00hrs. (Emmerson Campbell)
