Guyana’s premier and longest tenured cycling event, the Independence Three-Stage Road Race rolls off this morning in Berbice.
Down from 85 starters last year, the organizers of the 33rd edition of the calendar event revealed that 51 of the nation’s best riders have registered so far.
During the formal send off at the National Sports Commission yesterday, chief organizer, Hassan Mohamed disclosed that he expects the numbers to increase since he anticipates participation from wheelsmen from neighbouring Suriname.
Yesterday, president of the Guyana Cycling Federation (GCF), Cheryl Thompson pleaded with the local cyclists to adhere to the rules and also compete as teams so that the champion’s trophy can remain in Guyana.
Last year’s race was won by Barbadian Darren Matthews but he will not be defending his title, paving the way for a new champion.
During the sendoff, Minister of Education with responsibility for sport, Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine echoed similar sentiments of Thompson and also mentioned that he is “optimistic that the race would be a successful one.”
As customary, the three-stage race which will cover a distance of 171.5 miles (274.3km). The first stage pedals off at 7:30hrs at the Corriverton Police Station and will finish at New Amsterdam. (46.6 Miles) (75km).
The second stage also starts today at 14:00hrs from Rosignol and will proceed to Carifesta Avenue, Georgetown for the finish. (60.4 Miles) (97.1km).
For the final stage, the event will start tomorrow at 08:00hrs in Kara Kara, Linden and will conclude at Homestretch Avenue in Georgetown. (64.5 Miles) (103.3km). Local standouts like Orville Hinds, Marlon Williams, Michael Anthony, Akeem Wilkinson, Raul Leal (All from Team Evolution), Paul DeNobrega, Godfrey Pollydore, Robin Persaud and Geron Williams are scheduled to compete.
National riders, Alanzo Greaves, Raynauth Jeffrey and Hamza Eastman are currently campaigning on the US circuit.
Notes: Following two days of racing, the top six finishers are set to receive lucrative cash prizes and trophies. Last year, Matthews, took the top honours in six hours, 53 minutes and 18 seconds. (Emmerson Campbell)
