Cyclist Jude Bentley killed in early morning accident

National cyclist Jude Bentley was killed on the spot on Saturday morning while training on the Rupert Craig Highway, in the vicinity of the Russian Embassy turn.

According to information received, Bentley came into contact with a black Land Cruiser, reportedly driven by Rear Admiral (Ret’d) and former Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force, Gary Best. The incident occurred at approximately 05:00h while both men were heading east along the highway.

When the News Room arrived at the scene, Bentley’s body remained on the road covered with a white cloth.

Mr Best was still at the scene and in initial comments to the News Room, he noted that the accident was “highly regrettable” and that he did not see the cyclist on the road.

The former Chief of Staff claimed that the cyclist was not wearing reflectors and that he swerved to avoid hitting him when he crashed into a utility pole.

Racing Secretary of the Guyana Cycling Federation, Malcolm Sonaram told the News Room, he last spoke and interacted with Bentley on Friday and the rider was planning to make a return to competitive racing on Saturday at the National Park after purchasing a new GIANT bike.

“A sad loss for the cycling community,” Sonaram said.

Bentley was also a businessman; he owned and operated the Bike Shop on Robb Street.