Twelve Guyanese cyclists to race in Harlem Skyscraper Classic Sunday June 17, 2012
By Stabroek staff | THURSDAY, JUNE 14, 2012 By Lloyd Conway
Twelve Guyanese cyclists so far are listed to race in at least three categories on Father’s Day when Rockstar Games presents the 39th annual Harlem Skyscraper Cycling Classic at Marcus Garvey Park, Manhattan, New York City.
In the category one will be national cyclist Geron Williams, who is now training and competing in the U.S., and U.S.-based cyclists Paul Cho-wee-nam, Scot Savory, and the three brothers Jermaine, Paul and Horace Burrowes, while in category two will be Gavin Robertson and Lynn Murray and in the Masters two-time Olympians Joelyn Joseph and Aubrey Gordon as well as Cecil Bernard and Johan Burrowes.
The event on Sunday is billed by the organizers as a community cycling festival which will feature an unparalleled display of speed, power and skill on the streets of Harlem, showcasing professional, amateur and child cyclists, besides great food and music.
Bragging rights at stake – Joelyn Joseph is now in “I’ll take another” mode for the Father’s Day Harlem Skyscraper Cycling Classic in New York City, following his victory, as seen in this photo, at the 69th Annual Tour of Somerville in Somerset County, New Jersey, on Memorial Day.
The Guyanese riders will be cheered on by the large contingent of Guyanese fans and former cyclists from Guyana and the Caribbean who traditionally gather at this community festival.
Olympic prospect Williams, who represented Guyana at the Commonwealth Games in New Delhi, India, in 2010, will be among the Pros and category one cyclists, challenging some of the best criterium specialists around. He is at present staying and training with Gordon in Pennsylvania and has been recording some creditable performances.
Two weeks ago he placed 6th in the Bround Brook Classic in New Jersey and was unfortunate to clip a fire hydrant and develop some mechanical problems during the Tour of Somerville in New Jersey on Memorial Day while he was in a breakaway group of four riders.
And last Saturday he placed fourth in the Nutmeg Classic in Connecticut. With the upcoming Guyana nationals Williams seems to be rounding into good form at the right time, according to Victor Rutherford, co-ordinator of the Guyana Cycling Association of North America (GCANA).
Team work earns Guyana two podium spots at Tour of Somerville in New Jersey
By Stabroek staff | SPORTS | SATURDAY, JUNE 2, 2012
In a field of 125 starters, outstanding team work earned Guyana two spots on the podium on Monday, Memorial Day, in the United States at the 69th Annual Tour of Somerville in Somerset County, New Jersey.
In the 15 laps Masters 50-plus criterium, former national cyclist James Joelyn Joseph was first, ahead of Lisbon Quintello of Colombia, and following closely was another Guyanese, Olympian Aubrey Gordon. Among the starters were former Junior World Champion (US) Gibby Hatton, current World Points Race Champion Pat Gellieneau, and Jamaican Chris Cheon- Ten.
According to co-ordinator of the Guyana Cycling Association of North America, US-based Victor Rutherford, there was a two-man break with five laps to go and at bell lap the breakaway twosome had about 300 yards on the pack.
Savouring the victory – Joelyn Joseph (left) and Aubrey Gordon (right) pose with Victor Rutherford in celebratory mood after the ‘Team Guyana’ victory
Down the backstretch Gordon made his move with Joseph on his wheel. As the leaders turned for home with 500 yards to go, the twosome led by about 75 yards. Calling on his reserves Gordon went into overdrive and caught one cyclist with 200 yards to go. Joseph then made his move and caught the leader, sending the large contingent of Guyanese into a frenzy. Rutherford related that the photo finish saw Gordon just losing out for second place. Rutherford, a former national cyclist and now Gordon’s coach/manager, drove 18 hours from Florida to witness the event and he said “it was worth it.”
Earlier Guyanese Gavin Robinson placed a close second in the Category 2, 20 laps.
Meanwhile, in the Pros and Category 1, Geron Williams, who rides for Continental Cycle Club in Guyana, broke away with three other cyclists but was unfortunate to suffer a mechanical problem. The Tour of Somerville is an annual series of bicycle races held in Somerset County, New Jersey, and is considered the oldest major bicycle race in the United States and a legend in the lore of bicycle racing. The races are held over Memorial Day weekend with the premiere race held on Monday.
