By Avenash Ramzan
Due to unforeseen circumstances, the ‘Ride for Life’ Five-Stage will not be held this year, but a Three-Stage instead, to be held next month with two Road Races and an Individual Time Trial.
Usually, the Five-Stage would take place over a four-day period with two stages on the opening day. It would normally touch all three counties of Guyana, covering over 200 miles of the country’s roadways.
Its primary purpose was to spread awareness on HIV/Aids, using the cyclists as agents of change.
The National Sports Commission, in collaboration with the Guyana Cycling Federation and the Ministries of Health and Sport had partnered to stage the premier cycling event in the country.
In 2016, things would be much different with the National Sports Commission and the Guyana Cycling Federation fusing resources to pull off what would now be a Three-Stage activity spread over two days in the county of Demerara. Billed for the weekend of November 5-6, the event will feature two Road Races and an Individual Time Trial.
With a total prize package of G$400,000 on offer, riders will compete in a 65-mile road race on the morning of November 5, starting at 07:00h in Georgetown, proceeding to Mahaicony and returning to the start point for the finish, covering 65 miles.
On the same day at 15:00h, there will be the Individual Time Trial from Georgetown to Plaisance, a total distance of 3.5 miles.
The third and final leg will take place on November 6, starting at 11:00h, in the form of a 30-lap race around the outer circuit of the National Park, covering 70 miles.
There is also a Three-Stage event that is held annually in May, in observance of the country’s Independence anniversary.
