The country’s leading riders will be on show this weekend when national cycling coach Hassan Mohamed stages back-to-back events that are sure to test the cyclists’ adaptability.
On Saturday the action will take place at the inner circuit of the National Park with the 14th annual staging of the Seven Seas sponsored 11-race programme, set to pedal off at 09:00h.
That event will once again be headlined by the feature 35-lap School Boys and Invitational race, which is expected to attract the country’s leading wheelsmen, as well as emerging talents.
Michael Anthony of Linden would have his work cut out if he is to successfully defend the title he won last year in a time of one hour, 18 minutes, 15.26 seconds.
Other winners from 2016 include Brighton John in the Juveniles, Ian Jackson in the Veterans Under-50, Steven Gobin in the Mountain Bikes and Adelia Hodge in the 12-14 Boys and Girls.
According to Mohamed, Seven Seas representatives, Nirvana Thakur and Karen Cornell, are expected to witness the races and assist in the presentation of prizes at the conclusion.
On Sunday, rivalry switches to the West Demerara roadways for the 13th annual Regan Rodrigues memorial 50-miler, starting at 08:00h in front of the Wales Police Station. The race will proceed to Bushy Park, Parika, before returning to Schoonord for the finish.
Raul Leal won last year’s race, which was held at a shorter distance due to road works, clocking one hour, 27 minutes, 02.98 seconds. Other winners from 2016 are Christopher Cornelius in the Juniors, Ian Jackson in the Veterans and Sean Budhan in the Mountain Bikes.
The top six finishers in the Open category, as well as the top three in the Junior, Veteran and Mountain Bike divisions will be rewarded. Eight prime prizes are also at stake.
The race is being sponsored by Ricks and Sari Agro Industries in memory of Regan Rodrigues, who was a former president of the Guyana Cycling Federation and Carlton Wheelers Cycle Club, as well as a motor-racing champion.
