the highly anticipated 34th annual Independence Three-Stage cycling meet is set for this weekend, and as of Wednesday afternoon, close to three dozen riders had already confirmed their participation in the two-day activity.
According to information reaching this publication, 35 cyclists have already signed up, all of whom are local based. That number is set to increase significantly over the next few days, as riders from three countries have indicated their interest in competing in the 171-mile event.
With the aim of attracting mass participation, the organisers have not put a deadline for registration, which
The Three-Stage will end on Homestretch Avenue on Sunday (Avenash Ramzan file photo)
means that interested cyclists still have time to add their names to the list.
The race will form part of activities to celebrate Guyana’s 50th Independence anniversary. As is the norm, two stages will be held on the first day, Saturday, while the final stage will take place on day two, Sunday.
On the opening day, stage one will be held from the Corriverton Police Station to New Amsterdam, starting at 07:30h, while stage two will commence at 14:00h and will span the Rosignol to Carifesta Avenue route.
The final stage will take place the following day from Kara Kara, Linden, to Homestretch Avenue, beginning at 08:00h.
Team Gillette Evolution’s top wheelsman Orville Hinds is the defending champion, having won last year’s event in a time of six hours, 52 minutes, 26 seconds (06h: 52m: 26s). Teammates Michael Anthony and Raul Leal finished second and third respectively, ensuring a Team Gillette Evolution clean sweep.
Given the team’s outstanding performances over the past year and the clear chemistry that exists among the members, it wouldn’t come as a surprise if one of the men in ‘white and black’ emerges champion again. Strategic riding has been the hallmark of the Ansa McAl-sponsored team, and once they continue in that vein, then they would be hard to beat.
However, the other teams would be cognisant of the need to evolve and no doubt they would be coming with tricks of their own to topple Team Gillette Evolution.
