Cyclists competing for the prestigious titles of National Time-Trial and Road Race champion will participate in the time-trials today in Mahaicony and the road race tomorrow on the outer circuit of the National Park.
The time- trials which commences at 08:00hrs, serve as the kick off for the elite men for this weekend’s Guyana Cycling Federation (GCF), National Cycling Championships.
Time trials are commonly referred to as the ‘race of truth’ as they require considerable mental concentration and toughness as well as the ability to tolerate intense physical discomfort.
Cyclists compete individually and against only one competitor — the timing clock.
Every split seconds counts. Riders’ aerodynamics matched with their physical skills adds up to a simple equation. The fastest man on a bike on any given day wins.
“The level of competition will be very high and a first class standard of racing is envisioned,” Hassan Mohamed told Stabroek Sport recently.
“Our young cyclists are riding very competitively and so are the seniors so the competition is wide open, you can quote me by saying that this year’s championships will be a case of youth versus experience. “It is an honour and it is prestigious to be the national champion of your country so I’m looking forward to two days of competitive cycling” Mohamed added.
Some big names in the mix for National Time-Trial and Road Race Champion include: last years’ time-trial and road race champion, Hamza Eastman, 2014 winner, Geron Williams, Raynauth Jeffrey, Scott Savory, Paul DeNobrega, Orville Hinds and Marlon ‘Fishy’ Williams.
Tomorrow, the elite men only will saddle up for their Road Race in the grueling 75-mile event (30 laps) which starts at 11:00hrs. (Emmerson Campbell)
