Voted the most outstanding tinymite riders at the recent Easter International Cycling Grand Prix, the pair of Liam Lowell of the Madonna Wheelers and Melina Lopez (Rigtech Sonics), will go for top honours on the opening day of the National Cycling Championships Thursday at the National Cycling Centre in Couva, from 7 pm.
The Championships will feature tinymites, juveniles, and masters riders all bidding for bragging rights. Lopez claimed the two four-lap sprint gold medals, leading a Rigtech Sonics one-two-three-four in both races on the opening day at the Grand Prix.
Lowell's achievements came in the latter stages of the Easter weekend meet, as he could only manage second and third-place finishes in his two events early, but today, he will once again test his speed against a field that comprises Jemeuel Joseph, Elisha Greene Jr, the son of former national cyclist Elisha Greene, Isaiah Sobers, and Jazhiel Jacob.
The juvenile category is expected to be dominated by Kafele Desomore of Arima Wheelers or Shameka Hoyte of Vaporwake Multisport Cycle Club. Like Lowell, Desomore had a weak start to the Grand Prix but picked up in the latter stages.
Hoyte, though, was second and third in her two early races and will be hoping to better her performances. Her main challenge though will come from the bike of Arielle Greaves of Rigtech Sonics, Kylee Young (Madonna Wheelers), and Kyla Hospedales of the Open Road Challenge Accepted Club.
Among the masters' riders, Sheldon Ramjit will have his hands filled in the 40-49 category as the top rider, with Rocky Hosein set to continue his dominance in the 50-59 category. Joel Browne, the Arima Wheelers cyclist will embrace challenges from Cyril Fook, Wayne Samuel and Fitzgerald Orosco in the masters' 60-69 division, while four riders- Clyde Pollonais (Southclaine), Pat Nelson (Breakaway), Robert Farrell (Evolution Cycling Academy) and Godfrey Clyne will renew their rivalry in the masters' 70-plus category.
