Niles wins Laparkan 35-lap race

Who said Junior Niles doesn’t have some power left in those legs? The veteran rider on Saturday proved that he’s still a force to reckon with, even among the open riders, as he won the feature 35-lap School Boys and Invitational race at the inner circuit of the National Park.

At age 43, Niles outsprinted his more youthful teammate Mark Harris to win the race in comfortable fashion. Another veteran rider Paul Chooweenam of Team Alanis claimed third.

The top three riders lapped the field after escaping early in the event. The peloton was controlled by a contented Team Coco’s after they placed two riders in the breakaway. In the end, the tactical battle ensured arch-rivals Team Gillette Evolution, the country’s top club over the past two years, did not make the podium.

Hamzah Eastman of Team Coco’s, Shaquille Agard of Linden Bauxite Flyers and Kemuel Moses of Team Alanis rounded off the top six finishers. The day’s activities were organised by national coach Hassan Mohamed in partnership with the Carlton Wheelers Cycle Club.

Photo caption: Junior Niles