Cycling Time Trials to follow strict COVID-19 guidelines; routes confirmed

By Avenash Ramzan

The Guyana Cycling Federation is gearing up to resume the cycling season this weekend with the first of three Individual Time Trial events. The Federation was granted permission by the relevant authorities to host the races to be held in Georgetown on November 22, Berbice on November 29 and Linden on December 6.

Racing Secretary of the Federation, Malcolm Sonaram, said the aim is to have all and sundry adhere to the strict COVID-19 guidelines, in order to have a safe and successful event.

In an exclusive interview with News Room Sport on Tuesday, Sonaram said the fraternity is eagerly looking forward to the resumption of competitive action, as the pandemic had brought the sport to a halt since the first quarter of 2020.

“In order to facilitate the COVID guidelines, there is only one particular race that can answer such, which is the Individual Time Trial. An Individual Time Trial is a race where competitors are timed individually on a set distance over a course or track. Basically, it’s dubbed the race of truth, as you race against the clock,” Sonaram explained.

“We said once we have one person at a time, that would more or less comply with what we have to do. The cyclists will line up six feet apart and await their turn to start. Each cyclist will start when the time keeper signals them to start; the cyclists will then proceed along the route to the finish line.”

In order to avoid crowding for registration on the morning of the event, the Federation is advising cyclists to pre-register. Additionally, cyclists will be allowed only one chaperone.

Sonaram added that prior to the start of the races, a temperature test would be done on every cyclist.

“We are also asking all officials to wear a mask during the entire event. We are asking the cyclists to wear the mask before the event, and as soon as they complete they will put on back their mask, and their chaperone will have on their mask throughout the event,” Sonaram stated.

Each cyclist will start at a two-minute increment to avoid grouping along the race course.

RACE ROUTES

November 22- Georgetown

Start time: 07:00h

Route: Sparendaam, through Kitty, turn at the Roundabout and end at the COVID-19 Hospital, Liliendaal

Contact person: Malcolm Soonaram (600-2656)

November 29- Berbice

Start time: 09:00h

Route: Benjamin Sport and Fitness Centre (Fyrish), along the Number 19 road and end at GUYOIL gas station at Palmyra

Contact person: Randolph Roberts (628-8211)

December 6- Linden

Start time: 09:00h

Route: Amelia’s Ward (KD&J Supermarket) to Moblissa Hill and back

Contact person: Jeffrey Yearwood (688-2995)