By Calvin Roberts
Cyclists competing in the 26th Annual Independence Three Stage cycle road race organized by the National Sports Commission and coordinated by national cycling coach Hassan Mohammed, scheduled to pedal off next weekend, can expect some tough competition with the participation of six-time winner Dwayne Jupiter Gibbs.
Gibbs, who is based in Anguilla, won the title from 1999 to 2002. He also dominated the event in 2005 and had a successful defence in 2006. He was unable to participate in the 2007 event because he was involved in an accident. Trinidad and Tobago’s Guy Costa won the title with a total time of 7hrs:16m:36secs. Costa has also indicated to Mohammed his intention to defend his title this year.
With the present form of Alonzo Greaves, John Charles, Leer Nunes, Warren Mc Kay, Marlon Williams and Junior Niles among the seniors and Christopher Holder, Enzo Matthews and Geron Williams in the Junior category, Gibbs can expect a tough battle as he attempts to reclaim one of Guyana’s classic cycling events.
Cyclists from neighbouring Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago and Barbados along with USA-based Guyanese cyclists have also signalled their intention to compete in this year’s event that will cover a distance of 169 miles.
The first stage which covers 46.6 miles pedals off on Saturday from Corriverton to New Amsterdam from 6:30am. The second stage from 2pm will see the cyclists covering a distance of 60.4 miles taking off from the Rosignol stelling and proceeding to Carifesta Avenue in Georgetown.
The third and final stage which pedals off from Kara Kara in Linden to Homestretch Avenue is the longest, covering a distance of 62 miles and startug at 7am on Sunday.
Trophies and cash prizes are up for grabs for the first six finishers overall. Also the first Junior and Veteran to complete the event will be rewarded while the usual sprint prizes will also be up for grabs during the three stages. The first three finishers in each stage will also be rewarded for their efforts.
Cyclists are asked to assemble at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport at 10am on Friday for transportation, while registration for the event closes on Wednesday.
