Returning to the saddle after a four-month hiatus, Team Evolution’s Akeem Wilkinson shaved off four minutes from last year’s time to ride away with the 15th annual Ricks and Sari sponsored Reagan Rodrigues Memorial 46-mile Road Race at Schoonord, West Bank Demerara yesterday.
Stopping the clock at one hour 37 minutes and 55 seconds, Wilkinson outsprinted the six-man lead pack of a record 45-rider turnout to take the honours when the riders manoeuvred through the streets from Schoonord to Bushy Park and back.
Wilkinson after the race explained that the wind was heavy and the sun was especially hot but noted that the breakaway pack had established themselves halfway through the race with Walter Grant Stuart controlling the race.
However, it was good work from his team mates, Paul De Nobrega and Christopher Griffith that ultimately led to him winning.
Race organizer, Hassan Mohammed pointed out that he was happy with the large turnout and especially proud of the injury free race while commending the Police for their outstanding work.
Curtis Dey finished in second position while Guyana Cycling Federation President, Horace Burrowes copped third. Alanzo Ambrose finished fourth while Lear Nunes and Jornel Yearwood completed the race in fifth and sixth respectively.
Burrowes also won the veterans division ahead of Nunes in second and Kwame Ridley in third. The junior’s category was won by Ajay Gopilall with Jason Sampson in second and Jonathan Ramsuchit in third.
Andrew Spencer was awarded as the oldest rider but no mountain bike nor female riders turned out.
