Minister of Sport, Dr. Frank Anthony has pledged his ministry’s support for the continuity of the ‘Ride For Life’ five-stage cycle road race.
During Sunday’s closing ceremony at the National Cultural Centre following the seventh annual event, Anthony stated:“This year the international body did not fund the race but we at the ministry decided to fund it so that the race can continue.”
He added:“We have confidence to go forward and we are sure that people will look forward to
partnering with us for the continuity of this prestigious race.”
The minister also mentioned that his ministry, along with the Guyana Cycling Federation, will look to bring… “More stakeholders on board to further improve the premier cycling calendar event.
“We look forward to getting these partners but if all that fails we guarantee that the ministry will fund it until we have other partners.”
The four-day, 266-mile, five-stage Tour-of-Guyana started in Berbice last Thursday and concluded on Sunday on Homestretch Avenue.
Team Coco’s ace rider, Raynauth Jeffrey took the overall spoils in 10 hours, five minutes and 33 seconds.
This season’s most successful cyclist, Roraima Bikers Club standout, Alanzo Greaves (10:06:25) and Jeffrey’s clubmate, Barbadian, Darren Matthews (10:06:50) who won the second stage, completed the podium.
The top three riders pocketed US $1000 and a trophy, US $750 and a trophy and US $500 and a trophy respectively.
Geron Williams (10:07:06), Godfrey Pollydore (10:07:08), Orville Hinds (10:08:25), Paul DeNobrega (10:08:56), third stage winner Robin Persaud (10:09:34), last year’s overall champion, Jaime Ramirez (10:09:42) and Hamzah Eastman (10:09:56) were the other skillful wheelsmen in the top 10.
The top 10 overall finishers, the top three juniors and veterans received trophies and other prizes.
Eastman, Shaquel Agard and Akeem Arthur were the juniors while Raymond Newton, Junior Niles and Ralph Williams occupied the top three spots in the veterans’ category.
Team United, lone female starter, Naomi Singh and Kravitz Jeffrey also received special prizes.
There were 73 registrants and 37 finishers for the event which had staged in Berbice, the city, West Demerara, Essequibo and Linden.
The Ride For Life, Tour of Guyana five stage cycle race is a collaborative effort of the Ministries of Health and Sport and the GCF.
