The 2020 cycling season is set to commence on Saturday with the 27th Ricks and Sari Agro Industry Limited 11-race programme. The event is organized by national cycling coach, Hassan Mohamed, and will take place in the inner circuit of the National Park, Thomas Lands.
Mohamed reflected on a positive season last year and expressed his enthusiasm to have the season get underway with three races over the next two weeks.
Mohamed said the event, which pedals off from 09.00 hours, has been a staple of the cycling calendar for nearly three decades and remains one of the key sponsors. He thanked them for their continued assistance with the development of cycling and also encouraged the riders to bring their best to the track.
Last year, Berbice cyclist Balram Narine rode off with the spoils of the 35-lap feature Schoolboys and Invitational race in a time of one hour, 14 minutes and 62 seconds (01.14.62). Narine will be pressured to retain his title especially with the likes of Paul DeNobrega and Michael Anthony who were edged out of the title last year in a three-man dash to the finish line.
Also in contention will be Jamaul and Briton John who were arguably the best riders last season along with Alanzo Ambrose, Andre Green, Andrew Hicks and Christopher Griffith. Overseas based riders, Hamza Eastman and Stephano Husbands could also make a return after nearly a year’s absence.
Last year also saw the 10-lap juveniles race being won by Ajay Gopilall in 27.22.28 while Junior Niles won the veterans under-50 five-lap race in 12.47.70. The three-lap 12-14 years BMX race saw Steve Bhimsen lifting the title in a time of 10.05.26 with Nehaun Rigby and Jose Rodrigues winning the 9-12 and 6-9 years categories. Ozia McAully won the five-lap mountain bike race.
