Cyclists face busy weekend on track and road

Local riders are set to put in the miles this weekend when national cycling coach Hassan Mohamed stages back-to-back events that are sure to test the local wheelsmen.

On Saturday, the riders will compete on the inner circuit of the National Park when the 14^th edition of the Universal Auto and General Supplies 11-race programme is contested from 09:00h.

Mohamed said he is expecting a large field of riders, and a highly competitive day of racing.

Hamzah Eastman will look to defend his title in the feature event- the feature 35-lap School Boys and Invitational.

He won last year’s race in a time of one hour, 17 minutes, four seconds. Nigel Duguid Jr. is the reigning champion of the Junior division, while Ian Jackson had won the Veterans Under-50.

Ryan Canterbury took top honours in the Mountain Bike race last year, while David Hicks will defend the 12-14 Boys and Girls race.

Managing Director of Universal Auto and General Supplies and veteran rider, Shameer Baksh, will present the prizes to the winners at the conclusion.

On Sunday, the action will switch to the West Demerara roadways for the eighth staging of the annual Powerade 46-mile race.

Action will pedal off at 08:30h at Schoonord, proceed to Bushy Park, Parika, and return to the point of origin for the finish.

Jamal John was the champion of the Open race last year, while other winners were Jason Cameron in the Juniors, Junior Niles in the Veterans, Keon Thomas in the Mountain Bikes and Denacia Welch in the Female category.

Apart from the top six finishers of the Open race being rewarded, prizes are also set for the top three riders in the Junior, Veteran, Mountain Bikes and Female categories. 

Eight prime prizes would be up for grabs during the 46-mile event.