The second event of the 2014 cycling calendar is set to pedal off tomorrow with the staging of the 21st annual Ricks and Sari Agro Industries 11-race programme.
Commencing at 9:00hrs on the inner circuit of the National Park, the programme is scheduled to attract the cream of Guyana’s wheelsmen.
According to organizer of the day’s activities, Hassan Mohamed, a fiercely contested day of racing is anticipated since all the riders will be keen on taking pole position.
National cyclist, Raynauth Jeffrey will look to defend his title in the feature 35-lap event, in which he sprinted to victory in a time of one hour, 16 minutes and 56 seconds last year.
However, with the likes of last year’s most successful cyclist, Alanzo Greaves who won 22 races, Marlon Williams, Geron Williams, Enzo Matthews and Paul De Nobrega among others, Jeffrey, who also won the national road race title and the signature five-stage road race will have his hands full.
Star rider, Raul Leal will look to repeat the victory he had in the Juveniles race in 2013, while the experienced Junior Niles is the defending champion of the Veterans Under-50 event.
Other categories scheduled to be contested are the 12 to 14 years boys and girls (3 laps), veterans over-50 years (5 laps), veterans over-60 years (5 laps), upright cyclists (5 laps), BMX boys open (3 laps), BMX boys 12 to 14 years (3 laps), BMX boys 9 to 12 years (3 laps) and BMX boys 6 to 9 years (3 laps )Mohamed said his aim in 2014 is to surpass the 42 events he organized last year, he however stated that that feat can only occur through solid support from corporate Guyana.
He noted that companies and individuals have been very generous in sponsoring events under his purview over the years, but added that more sponsorship will mean additional avenues for the riders to showcase their talents. Representatives of Ricks and Sari Agro Industries are expected to be on hand to assist in the presentation of prizes to the top performers.
The season opener was staged on January 12 in Berbice. It was the second annual Benjamin’s Sports Store 40-mile road race and was won by 2012’s road race champion, Orville Hinds. He out-pedalled 41 other cyclists. (Emmerson Campbell)
