A solidarity ride along with a candlelight vigil were observed by cyclists, family and friends of Jude Bentley on Sunday following his untimely death in a fatal accident during early morning training on Saturday on the Rupert Craig Highway.
According to reports, Bentley was killed after he was struck from behind in the vicinity of the Russian Embassy turn at around 5:00hrs by a Toyota Land Cruiser, reportedly driven by Rear Admiral (Ret’d) and former Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force, Gary Best.
He was 41. The solidarity ride started from Bentley’s Bike Shop on Robb Street, Bourda and ended at the accident scene where he died on the spot.
Bentley, who only on Friday signed up to rejoin Carlton Wheelers Cycle Club, died in the club’s racing kit.
The hashtag #justiceforjude has also been circulating on social media as the family, friends and members of the Sonic Hunters Motorcycling Club call for justice for the father of six.
Bentley, who started a movement – 592 Bike Life – aimed at empowering and bringing youths together will be missed by the cycling fraternity.
In an invited comment, Racing Secretary of the Guyana Cycling Federation, Malcolm Sonoram told Stabroek Sport recently that the father of six was impactful to many young riders and his passing “is obviously a loss to the cycling community.”
