The local cycling community was sent into a state of shock when word spread of the passing of former national cyclist, Wilbert Benjamin yesterday.
An active cyclist and businessman, Benjamin, 49, was struck down on the Corentyne roadway, Berbice while training back in August.
According to Randolph Roberts, Coach of the Flying Ace Cycling Club, of which Benjamin was an active member, he is at a loss for words after hearing of Benjamin’s death.
“I can’t really come to grips,” Roberts told Stabroek Sport while recounting their friendship that dates back to the 1980s.
“His death has a big impact on the club and myself. He was one of the biggest supporters of cycling in the club,” he noted.
Roberts detailed their friendship and labeled it “the father and son type” as he reflected on when he first met Benjamin as a young student who had just picked up the sport and showed a lot of promise.
The coach recalled his memories of Benjamin and their time together which saw him winning a gold medal at the Guiana Games.
More recent, Roberts detailed, “I only spoke to him last Thursday when he called me and asked for us to start back training, he said he is feeling better and we went for a ride up the Corentyne.”
However, following the ride, Roberts said Benjamin complained of a severe headache and was advised to go back to the doctor for an X-ray. He received medication and was sent home.
Roberts explained that he tried calling him several times but Benjamin did not answer and he believed that Benjamin just wanted to be left unbothered.
The coach stated that Benjamin will always be remembered for his kindness and generosity, even revealing that Benjamin was expected to donate two cycles to two kids in the county later this week.
“He was always willing to assist however he can, especially to the club, he was one of the biggest financers of the club and he would always be willing to give back something to all the cyclists around…he would be sorely missed and condolences to his family” Roberts reminisced.
Veteran cycling coach and administrator, Hassan Mohamed also expressed his condolences to the family and friends of Benjamin while reflecting on his life as one of meaningful contribution to the development of cycling.
“It’s sad to hear of his death, he took part in the ‘Teach Them Young’ programme as well as the national schools championship and was very active in the sport, even opening a cycling shop in Berbice before migrating,” Hassan stated.
The national cycling coach, described Benjamin as “one who was always willing to assist and was never hesitant to give back.” Mohammed said that Benjamin’s death is “a tremendous loss,” while highlighting his significant contributions.
