Dwayne Gibbs made it three in a row yesterday when he captured top honours in the B. K. International sponsored-Cheddi Jagan Memorial Cycle Road Race in Berbice.

Gibbs, who won the event in 2002 and 2003, returned two hours 14 minutes 22 seconds in winning the event. He also won one of the eight prime prizes that were up for grabs.

The second position was occupied by Stephen Mungroo, a Guyanese now resident in Trinidad while Andrew Reece placed third. The trio had earlier broke away from the pack on the downward journey, but Gibbs prevailed in the sprint to the line.

Warren McKay, Samuel Barker and Raymond Newton placed fourth, fifth and sixth respectively.

Mungroo won three prime prizes while McKay copped two. Marlon Morrison and Reece took one each.

Linden Blackman was the first veteran to cross the finish line. He finished eight minutes ahead of second place finisher Virgil Jones. Clement Douglas placed third in the category.

The first junior to complete the distance was Albert Philander while Dharmanand Rudradeo placed second.

The upright category was won by Bochel Samaroo. Second was Linden Burrowes and third, Edward Williams.

Before the 49 starters were sent on their way from the People's Progressive Party/ Civic, New Amsterdam headquarters by Dr. Motilall, they were addressed by Political Adviser Kellowan Lall.

One minute's silence was observed for former Guyanese cyclist Paul Reid who died recently in Antigua.

Speaking at the presentation ceremony, Presidential Adviser Navin Chanderpal noted that the event has been attracting more and more participants each passing year, "which is in keeping with the spirit of what we are commemorating (Dr. Cheddi Jagan's memory). Sports must be a vehicle for building national unity" Chanderpal stated.

Chanderpal also noted that the two persons behind the success of the activity are Brian Tiwari and cycle coach Hassan Mohammed.

Director of Sports Neil Kumar thanked the cyclists for their participation and the sponsor - Tiwari - for sponsoring the event for the seventh consecutive year.