Romello Crawford stormed to victory yesterday in the 28th R&R International, 40-mile road race which was held in honour of former national cyclist, Jude Bentley who died on Saturday.
Only 15 cyclists participated in the event and organizer, national cycling coach, Hassan Mohamed, said he was not pleased with the turn out due to a number of riders taking part in another event which was not sanctioned by the Guyana Cycling Federation.
Mohamed said however, that he was happy with the riders who turned out for an incident free race, witnessed by sponsor, Jacob Rambarran.
“We did the normal thing, of a lap of honour and a moment of silence yesterday (Saturday) now they didn’t turn up today because they went to picket Mr. [Gary] Best’s home which is totally wrong, they were not sanctioned by the federation and some of them are creating problem…now if you look at the riders this morning they see it as necessary to participate and compete and they enjoyed it so if the federation takes action against some of them I hope they don’t feel disgruntled,” he stated.
Mohamed said that the race was held in honour of Bentley who died while training following an accident involving a vehicle on Saturday. “I decided to dedicate the race to him…he will be missed and if possible next year I will run a race to remember him.” Crawford, who copped two sprint prizes, fended off Michael Anthony in a tight jostle to the finish at Schoonard, West Demerara after pedaling to Bushy Park and back to stop the clock at one hour, 52 minutes and 13 seconds. Anthony was second and copped three sprint prizes while Adealie Hodge placed third.
Alex Mendes was fourth and he also won the veterans division ahead of Nigel London, second and fifth overall and Paul Choo-Wee-Nam third and sixth overall.
Jonathan Ramsuchit won the juniors with Juslin Thom finished second.
