Sport Ministry backs return of Independence Three-Stage cycling
- Two-day event set for May 15-16
By Avenash Ramzan
The Guyana Cycling Federation has announced that the Independence Three-Stage cycling meet is set to make a return this month, following a financial commitment from the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport.
The event was last held in 2016, when Team Evolution’s rider Orville Hinds emerged champion.
“The longest tenured stage race was cancelled since 2017 because the Guyana Cycling Federation (GCF) and the traditional sponsors, the National Sports Commission (NSC) did not find common ground on the funding of the three-decade-old fixture,” Racing Secretary of the Federation, Malcolm Sonaram, said on Tuesday.
“The Guyana Cycling Federation (GCF) is thankful that the Government through the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, Hon. Charles Ramson Jr. has stepped in and financed this marque event.”
Sonaram added that the Federation will now await clearance from the National COVID-19 Task Force to go ahead with the event.
Once that approval is granted, Sonaram informed News Room Sport that it is the intention of the Federation to be in full conformity with the National COVID-19 measures to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the cyclists and officials.
“Due to our track record and adherence to the COVID-19 guidelines while executing our races, I see no issue in our permission being granted to host this event,” Sonaram commented.
According to the Federation, the 2021 event will be held on May 15 and 16, in Berbice and Demerara.
On May 15, the race will pedal off in the Ancient County of Berbice at 07:30h outside the Corriverton Police Station and end the first stage at Main and Alexander Streets, New Amsterdam.
On the same day, the second stage of the race will also be contested, pedalling off at 14:00h at the Rosignol Stelling and ending on Carifesta Avenue in the city.
The final stage the next day will ride off in the Bauxite Mining Town of Linden from 07:30h and conclude just outside the National Sports Commission, Homestretch Avenue.
The Three-Stage will cover an approximate distance of 171.5 miles. The event is usually held in observance of Guyana’s Independence anniversary, celebrated on May 26.