Cycling action resumes this Sunday when the riders converge in the Ancient County of Berbice for the Hassan Mohammed-organised Cheddi Jagan Memorial Cycling road race.
The race is expected to pedal off from 09:00h from the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) headquarters in New Amsterdam, as officials from the Party will start the race and the wheelsmen will make their way to Number 51 Village, Corentyne and return to finish at Port Mourant.
At Babu Jaan, the first three juniors, the first three veterans, the first three mountain bikers and the first over-60 riders will receive prizes from members of the Party sponsored by sports enthusiasts.
According to National Cycling Coach Hassan Mohamed, what is important for the riders to take note of is that there will be transportation provided for those desirous of heading to Berbice from Georgetown. They are asked to assemble in front of the PPP headquarters, Freedom House on Robb Street, Lacytown by 05:00h.
The Coach added that this year the categories in contention are Seniors, Juniors, Mountain Bikers, Veterans, Females and Over-60.
Andrew Hicks won the last road race in Berbice
It will be interesting to see who will take home the title at the end of this race as a number of top cyclists have seen much success in the race-filled two months of 2017 so far.
In the spotlight is number one ranked cyclist, Team Coco’s Hamza Eastman, who had a three-race winning streak in February as well as his club mates Jamal John and Stephano “Sunny” Husbands.
Late President, Dr Cheddi Jagan
Team Evolution’s Paul DeNobrega, who started the season well, will be looking to maintain good form as well as his club partners.
We Stand United rider Andrew Hicks is one to watch, having won the first leg of the previous three-stage meet held in Berbice, and will look to once again take advantage of the home conditions.
Linden Bauxite Flyers’ Shaquel Agard has gradually improved his performance so far, having had a slow start early in the season but winning the last race prior to this. He will also be looking to add this race to his winnings.
The defending champion is Marlon “Fishy” Williams, who won the senior category of the event in a time of two hours, 15 minutes, 10 seconds while Raphael Leung won the Juniors; Junior Niles, the Veterans; Whitney Poyer, the Females; Richard Charles, the Mountain Bike race and Monty Paris, the Over-60.
