Nationals 2023: Cyclists Leung and Hyles storm to road race titles

By Danielle Swain

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Budding cycling talents Alexander Leung and Savannah Hyles won the first two gold medals at the 61st edition of the National Schools, Cycling, Swimming and Track and Field Championships that commenced Sunday in Georgetown.

For the day, the duo renamed the road races after themselves, as there was little to no doubt who was the champion rider from start to finish on the outer circuit of the National Park.

Leung of District 11 (North Georgetown) crossed the finish line in a commanding time of 1:06.82s (one hour, six minutes, and eighty-two seconds), three minutes ahead of his closest competitor in the Boys Open 40km race.

Sebastian Nathan of District 7 (Cuyuni/Mazaruni) secured second place, while Ajani Cutting of District 14 (East Bank Demerara) rounded out the podium.

In the girls’ race, Hyles of District 10 (Upper Demerara/Kwakwani) displayed exceptional endurance for the top spot, with Suria Duncan of District 6 (Corentyne) following closely behind.

Coreen Mandook claimed third place with an impressive ride for District 9  (Rupunui), which competed for the first time in cycling at Nationals.

These names are likely to be on the podium again as the cycling actions moves to the inner circuit of the National Park from 09:00h today.

Last year, District 10 emerged as the overall champions of cycling as riders from Upper Demerara/Kwakwani amassed 245 points to win ahead of District Seven (Cuyuni Mazaruni) with 228 points and District Six (Corentyne) with 204 points.

RESULTS: 

40 KM Road Race Boys Open Cycling Final

1st Alexander Leung, District 11

2nd Sebastian Nathan, District 7

3rd Ajani Cutting, District 14

4th Nivonne Wilson, District 13

5th Alex Newton, District 11

25 KM Road Race Girls Open Cycling Final

1st Savannah Hyles, District 10

2nd Suria Duncan, District 6

3rd Coreen Mandook, District 9

4th Dasica Batson, District 15

5th Tandeia Noel, District 7