The endurance of the nation’s cyclists will be tested this weekend as National Cycling Coach Hassan Mohamed has organized back-to-back events.
Tomorrow the inner circuit of the National Park will be transformed into a speedway when the second annual Banks Malta Supreme 11-race cycle programme pedals off at 09:00hrs while on Sunday the cyclists will take their talents to the open roads of Berbice.
The feature race for tomorrow is the 35-lap Schoolboys and Invitational which will be contested by the top junior and senior riders. Other races carded for the day include the BMX age group categories, veterans, uprights and mountain bikes.
Malta Supreme Brand Manager, Clayton McKenzie, and Banks DIH Outdoor Events Manager, Mortimer Stewart will be on hand to assist in the presentation of prizes at the conclusion of programme.
On Sunday, the annual Ballot Box 55-mile road race will roll off to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Ballot Box Martyrs.
The race starts at 09:00hrs at Freedom House, New Amsterdam and will see the seniors and juniors proceeding to the Corriverton Police Station and return to Number 63 for the finish.
Veteran, upright and female riders will start at Freedom House, New Amsterdam, at the same time with the seniors, but finish on the upward journey at Number 63.
The first six senior finishers as well as the leading three in the junior, veteran, mountain bike and female divisions and the top over-60 participant will all receive prizes.
Eight prime prizes will be up for grabs during the course of the race with the in-form Alonzo Greaves set to defend his title.
Greaves took pole position in two hours, 12 minutes and 59 seconds last year.
Other winners from last year were Raul Leal (junior), Raymond Newton (veteran), Niall Kingston (mountain bike) and Jamal Yearwood (under-14 open).
The event, which is being sponsored exclusively by Corentyne businessman Chris Jagdeo, will see members of the People Progressive Party/Civic giving the cyclists the ceremonial send-off at New Amsterdam and assisting in the presentation of prizes at Number 63.
Transportation for cyclists and officials will leave the Sport Ministry’s office at 91 Middle Street at 05:00 hours on Sunday for Berbice.
