Tight competition expected for Five-Stage cycling

By Rajiv Bisnauth

Local riders are expected to face an uphill task at the sixth edition of the ‘Ride for Life’ Five-Stage cycling meet, billed for October 10-14, since a number of overseas cyclists are expected to compete.

This is according to Sport Minister, Dr. Frank Anthony. Dr. Anthony disclosed that the Sport Ministry has already written to a number of international competitors and are awaiting their response.
“This Five-Stage event is now very established and as expected a large field of international competitors will be part of it,” Dr. Anthony said.
Meanwhile, the Sport Minister revealed that all the logistical arrangements are already in place for the event.
The Five-Stage event, covering 226 miles of the country’s roadway, is a collaborative effort of the Ministries of Health and Sport and the Guyana Cycling Federation.
As was the case in previous years, the event will be held with the objectives of increasing awareness and knowledge about HIV/ Aids among participants and the general public, and increasing HIV/ Aids activism and volunteerism among the participants and inspiring them to become ambassadors in the fight against HIV/ Aids.
After travelling to the Ancient County on October 10, the opening stage will be held the following day from Corriverton to New Amsterdam (46.6 miles) from 07: 30 hours; while Stage Two will be on the same day from Rosignol to Georgetown (60.4 miles) from 14: 00 hours.
Stage Three will take place on October 12 from Wales to Parika (35 miles) from 09: 00 hours, while the penultimate stage will be contested from 07: 30 hours the following day from Supenaam to Suddie, covering a distance of 62 miles.
The fifth and final stage will commence in Linden at 08: 30 hours and finish in Georgetown on October 14, covering a distance of 62 miles.
Four cyclists have won the event since its inauguration in 2007. Three Guyanese, Alonzo Greaves, Junior Niles and Geron Williams, carted off the honours in 2007, 2008 and 2009 respectively.
American Antonio Quintero broke that sequence in 2010, before Team Coco’s Michael Larsen won last year’s race in a total time of 10 hours, 29 minutes, 39 seconds ( 10h: 29m: 39s).
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Culture Youth and Sports; ‘Big Ride’ is slated for next Sunday. As usual, the ‘Big Ride’ will commence from the University of Guyana junction and culminate in front of the old Guyana National Service Complex, Carifesta Avenue.
The ‘Big Ride’ which was first held in 2009, is expected to attract riders from various ministries and departments, as well as sport and non-governmental organizations.