JASON PERRYMAN knows he won’t be favoured in his national road race title defence.
And that might be the least of his worries.
Spots on next month’s Central American and Caribbean Games (CAC) squad to Puerto Rico will be up for grabs as the Barbados Cycling Union looks to lengthen the distance for the gruelling Top Rock Circuit in today’s National Road Race Championships.
The reigning out-of-form champ, who is without a single top-three finish for the season, has to contend with more than the likes of former champion Simon Clarke and Mario Forde, as the route has been extended to 21 laps and a total of 156 kilometres in the seniors category.
Clarke, a former national road race title holder, starts as favourite, leading the way with a season-high four victories ahead of Fugen teammate Forde’s three.
Seasoned veteran John Turton could pose a threat to their dominance, while the overseas-based Philip Clarke is expected home to present a serious challenge for the title as well.
Competing with the seniors for most of this season, Jamol Eastmond returns to the junior ranks in the hope of unseating reigning national and Caribbean junior road race champ Russell Elcock over a 16-lap, 120 kilometre distance.
But Eastmond, also of Fugen, will have his work cut for him, as his G4S Swift rival and recently crowned 2009 Cyclist Of The Year has yet to lose a single start for the year on home soil.
Velo Caribe’s Denise Crebbin has also dominated like Elcock, with chief rival Monica Weekes (G4S Swift) out for most of the season.
Weekes is expected to take the saddle today but the 12-lap course is more suitable for Crebbin to retain her title, especially against the likes of her less favoured teammates Marissa Bradshaw, Deidre Mayers and Racquel Yarde.
Renowned racing champ Stuart Maloney looks to continue an impressive rookie showing by adding the national crown to the other three victories in his debut masters season.
However, Sedwin Jones’ experience should prove pivotal in his showdown with tight field that includes the likes of Gregory Catwell, Wayne Cummins and Stewart Stoute.
The race starts at the Garfield Sobers Roundabout at 6 a.m. (JM)
