NSC Independence 3-Stage Road Race pedals off in Linden today

Cyclists from across the country are set to converge on Linden today as the Guyana Cycling Federation’s annual Independence Three-Stage Road Race pedals off with more than GY$1 million in prize money up for grabs as part of Guyana’s 60th Independence celebrations.
The prestigious event, organised by the Guyana Cycling Federation in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport (MYCS) and the National Sports Commission (NSC), officially gets underway this morning with Stage One along the Mabura Road in Region 10.

Speaking in invited comments ahead of the event, GCF General Secretary Mark St Clair assured that all systems are in place for the successful hosting of the competition.
“Everything is in place logistics-wise, and we expect competitive cycling along the new routes,” he said.
Riders will tackle a demanding 45-mile course beginning from 07:00h in Linden before returning later today for Stage Two, a 60-mile ride from Kara Kara to Long Creek and back, which is scheduled to start at 14:30h.
The final stage is slated for tomorrow morning and will take competitors from Schoonord to Parika and back across the Demerara Harbour Bridge before finishing in front of the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.
This year’s edition will feature notable route changes from the traditional Independence race layout, with organisers expecting the Mabura Road course and bridge corridor finish to provide an added challenge for the riders.
The elite category champion is set to receive GY$275,000, while second to fifth place finishers will earn GY$200,000, GY$145,000, GY$100,000 and GY$70,000, respectively.
Cash incentives will also be awarded across the Masters 35-plus, Masters 50-plus, Category Four, junior, female and juvenile divisions, while stage winners in every category will collect GY$10,000 bonuses.
Elite cyclists will additionally compete for sprint prizes worth GY$5000 at five sprint points during each stage.
Last year’s overall title was won by Colombian cyclist Mateo Garcia Castaneda, who represented Trinidadian-based Team Raiders during the 42nd edition of the event. Garcia dominated the competition by winning all three stages across Berbice and Demerara to secure the overall crown.
The Independence Three-Stage Road Race remains one of the marquee events on the local cycling calendar and continues to be a major feature of Guyana’s Independence celebrations.