The highly-anticipated Independence Three-Stage Cycle Race is set for Saturday May 15, and all Guyana’s big guns in cycling are expected to be at the starting line in Corriverton, the easternmost town in East Berbice, when the first stage pedals off for its end at Main and Alexander Streets in New Amsterdam, forty-five and one-half miles away.
The second stage is also set for Saturday. It commences at Rosignol, West Coast Berbice at 14:00hrs, and ends on Carifesta Avenue in Georgetown, some 65 miles away.
GCF President Linden Dowridge
The third and final stage of this race commences on Sunday in the bauxite-mining town of Linden, and ends at Thirst Park, the Head Office Complex of Banks DIH Limited in Georgetown.
According to the Guyana Cycling News (GCN), the race will commence at 07:30hrs, and registration fee is $1,500 for seniors and masters, while juniors and females would pay $1000 and ride only two of the three stages. If a junior or female rider is within the prescribed time after stage two, that individual would be allowed to compete in the third and final stage from Linden to the City.
Guyana Cycling Federation (GCF) President Linden Dowridge has informed GCN that all plans are in place for a successful return of the Independence Race. The former national cyclist has also said the Federation is grateful for the financial support received from the Government of Guyana, especially from Minister of Sport Charles Ramson Jnr.
Dowridge and the organising team are, moreover, thankful for the support received from the members of the cycling community, especially from the Ramsuchits, who are handling the logistics in Berbice.
However, Dowridge is disappointed at the slothfulness of the cyclists and clubs in registering for the event. He added that, based on the number of registered cyclists, the race organisers would be able to properly cater for their meals and accommodation.
He is pleading with the riders and clubs to contact Hassan Mohamed at his office at the Ministry of Sport on Homestretch Avenue, Georgetown, or call him on 623-0736.
Dowridge has indicated that, upon registration, cyclists would be asked to indicate if they are desirous of being provided with transportation, accommodation and meals.
Registration is currently ongoing, and can be done in Georgetown at the National Sports Commission Office on Homestretch Avenue. Contact person is Mr. Hassan Mohamed, who can be reached on tel. # 623-0736. In Linden, the process can be done at Hyacinth’s Bed & Breakfast, situated at Manni Street, Mackenzie. Telephone number is 444-6350.
The top senior rider would receive a prize of $70,000 cash, while the second-placed rider would receive $60,000. Top veteran, junior and female riders would each receive $50,000.
