Over 60 local and overseas cyclists will compete today in the third annual five-stage cycling event under the theme ‘Ride for Life’, an initiative of the Ministries of Sport and Health and the National AIDS Programme Secretariat.
Yesterday the star-studded cast of riders took off from outside the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport building on Main Street, after they were met by Minister of Sport Dr. Frank Anthony and representatives of the Health Ministry who all urged the riders to improve on last year’s performance.
“Try to break the previous record,” Dr. Anthony charged the cyclists, stating that the time of 10 hours, 42 minutes and 50 seconds which was done by Junior Niles could be broken since he has great confidence in some of the cyclists who are competing.
Niles is expected to face stiff challenge from the likes of Jude Bentley who is competing in his first major event since the ban instituted by the Guyana Cycling Federation was lifted a few weeks ago, John Charles and Marlon ‘Fishy’ Williams.
Also in contention are ‘Road Hog’ Dwayne Gibbs, US-based Randolph Toussaint, Raymond Newton, Monty Parris and Aubrey Gravesande.
But there is a young bunch of riders who can be spoilers once they settle in the saddle; Alonzo Greaves, who happens to be the first winner of the inaugural five-stage event, Geron Williams, Enzo Mathews, Christopher Holder, Darren Allen and Chris Persaud.
Veterans Eon Jackson and Kennard Lovell should not be forgotten. The race will pedal off this morning in front of the Corriverton Police Station, Corentyne and proceed to New Amsterdam.
The second stage will see the riders making their way from Rosignol to Carifesta Avenue in the afternoon.
Tomorrow, from 9:00 hours, the cyclists would pedal away from Wales to Bushy Park, Parika for the completion of the third stage and then the fourth would be ridden in Essequibo from Supenaam to Charity and then back to Suddie for the finish.
The fifth and final stage will take place on Sunday from Kara Kara, Linden to Homestretch Avenue for the finish. National Cycling Coach Hassan Mohammad told Stabroek Sport that he thinks this year’s race would certainly be one to witness since all of the cyclists are in top form. “I think that we will have a good race this year because all the fellas are riding well right now, from the juniors right up so I expect them to go neck to neck with the overseas guys like Dwayne Gibbs and ‘Fishy’ and so on. So certainly I believe this would be a big one, this five-stage brings out the best in the riders because here they have to really think and ride,” Hassan said.
The Health Ministry which is the driving force behind the race said that the intention is to build public awareness of HIV/AIDS.
