The seventh annual Franco Crawford Cycle Road Race organized by the Flying Ace Cycle Club of Berbice will pedal off on Sunday from Springlands to New Amsterdam. The race is sponsored by overseas-based Guyanese Franco Crawford, his son Selso Crawford and Leaton Blake, a British citizen.
The race will start from the Springlands Police Station, Upper Corentyne and end at Main and Alexander Streets, New Amsterdam, a distance of 46 miles. Starting time is 09:00 hrs. The race is open only to Flying Ace Cycle Club members and a number of prizes for the top finishers and outstanding riders will be presented at the end of the race.The first six cyclists, the first three juveniles and the first two females will receive prizes in addition to a reward for the top veteran rider. Eight sprint point prizes will be up for grabs.
The juveniles will ride a distance of 20 miles while the females will cover 10 miles.
Franco Crawford, a former member of the Flying Ace Cycle Club who now resides in London, his son and Beaton ply their trade in England, other European countries and North America. The men ride for the Geoffrey Butler GB Cycle Club in London.
The trio stated that their main aim is to establish a link between the two clubs so that Guyana and Guyanese can benefit from the services and expertise of the British club and their riders.
They hope to begin a partnership which will eventually lead to a twinning relationship between the two clubs.
Franco Crawford said that he is motivated to assist his fellow Guyanese because he feels happy to be able to return to Guyana and give back to his home country and community. He remembers his early upbringing when he did not have a proper bike or gear to participate. The trio said also that they are impressed by the talent of cyclists in Guyana.
Selso Crawford said this will be the second race he will be participating in since his arrival. He added that he has only returned to competitive riding two months ago having being off the pedal for over two years due to injuries.
Crawford and his son will be participating in the race and is expected to match pedals with their local counterparts while Beaton who is injured will not be riding this year.
