Rising star Balram Narine looking to win tomorrow’s road race

By Duncan Saul

Emerging star cyclist Balram Narine said yesterday he was extremely pleased with his performances at the ongoing National Schools, Cycling, Swimming and Track and Field Championships.

Narine, who is the captain of Flying Ace Cycle Club and represents District six, secured gold medals in the 800m and 1000m races, as well as a bronze medal in the 1500 metres.

In a brief interview, the District Six cyclist said, “I am very proud of my performances and Nationals is a good experience. I want to progress far in the sport and all I need is some help with sponsorship.”

This is Narine’s third year representing District Six and the Nationals and he has distinguished himself as an above par performer.

Last year he  won the 800m boys Open race and he is currently the record holder in the 800m after he clocked one minute and 19 seconds in 2015 he told Stabroek Sport.

“I didn’t have much competition in the 800 and 1000-metre races. I could have also won the 1500 metre but they had two other persons that worked as a team against me but I could have beaten them. I will be working to win the road race on Friday.”

Meanwhile, coach Randolph Roberts said, “He has prepared well and hard under me and he came out to win. I am very proud of his accomplishments and we are going out to win the Road Race on Friday in any conditions as we he wants to be a national champion.”

After only three years in the sport Narine has already made a name for himself and is considered a future star in the making.

Narine, who attends the Upper Corentyne Industrial Training Centre where he is studying to become an Agricultural Mechanic predicts that he will win tomorrow’s road race despite placing fifth last year.

“I will win the road race this year,” he said.

Coach Roberts thinks so too.

“He’s a good rider and a very disciplined, and dedicated youngster. Very humble.”

Asked what type of training Narine does Roberts said: “We do a lot of long distance riding, do some swimming and a lot of physical exercises.

He stands a good chance of winning the road race according to the performances of the guys in the Park. He’s well prepared for the event. He trained hard,” said Roberts adding…”come next year he is going to the senior category where he will come up against the likes of Jamaal John and others so he has to be ready.”