Local and overseas riders will engage in intense battle on the weekend of May 14-15 when the National Sports Commission in collaboration with the Guyana Cycling Federation and national cycling coach Hassan Mohamed stages the 34th annual Independence Three-Stage cycle road race.
Speaking to this publication on Friday, Mohamed confirmed that the dates have been set and all systems are being put in place to ensure a successful two-day event.
It is understood that 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, while the final stage will take place on day two.
Defending champion Orville Hinds (centre) will lead Team Gillette Evolution’s charge again this year, as they look to keep a stranglehold on the other teams (Avenash Ramzan file photo)
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.
