The 11th annual Cheddi Jagan memorial cycle road race sponsored by the ruling People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) and organized by national cycling coach Hassan Mohammed will pedal off tomorrow in the ancient county of Berbice.
The race will get underway from 09:00h in front of the PPP/C Berbice branch office in New Amsterdam and proceed to Number 51 Village, Corentyne before returning to Babu John, Port Mourant, for the finish, covering a distance of 50 miles.
Jagan, who was born on 22nd March, 1918 served Guyana as Chief Minister from 1957-1964 and as president from 1992-1997 before he died 16 days before his 79th birthday on 6th March, 1997.
According to Mohammed, over 30 cyclists are expected to participate in the event and the defending champion Warren ‘Forty’ Mc Kay will be hard pressed to retain his title.
Dr Jagan was also an accomplished political author and speechwriter with some of his publications being Forbidden Freedom, The story of British Guiana, The West on Trial, My Fight for Guyana’s Freedom and the USA in South America.
“This year we are expecting cyclists from all parts of Guyana to contest this race that is being held in the memory of one of our great presidents. Keen competition can be expected in all categories where no one cyclist can be adjudged the winner at the moment,” said Mohammed.
Based on the performances of leading Junior Road Champion Christopher Holder along with Lear Nunes, Darren Allen, John Charles and Alonzo Greaves, Mc Kay will certainly have to battle it out if he is to be victorious once again in the senior category.
Holder is a clear cut favourite to take the junior category as he has been dominant in this division from the commencement of the year, but he can expect some tough opposition from last year’s winner Geron Williams who is yet to display his potential.
Also contending for the junior title are Enzo Matthews and Berbician Neil Reece who will be familiar with the route of the race in his backyard.
The veterans and upright cyclists will turn back at Hoggstyle to end at Babu John, and a heated battle is anticipated between arch rivals Linden Blackman and Kennard Lovell as they will attempt to outdo each other.
Eight prime prizes are up for grabs during the race and the first six finishers will be rewarded along with the first three juniors, upright and veteran finishers. The first rider from Berbice to finish will also be rewarded.
Representatives of the sponsors are expected to be on hand to assist with the presentation of the prizes to the respective winners.
Transportation for the cyclists will leave the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport at 05:30h tomorrow morning for Rosignol.
