Bartica Cycling Classic set for March 5; Fazia’s Collection ‘riding’ with organisers

Cyclists from around Guyana will be invading the town of Bartica this Sunday (March 5) when the second edition of the Bartica Cycling Classic is contested under the ‘One Guyana’ banner.

Organised by We Stand United Cycle Club (WSUCC), Sunday’s event would also see races being held for prominent persons of the community.

Corporate support for the event has already begun to flow with Fazia’s Collection Variety Complex, located at Anna Catherina, West Coast Demerara, stepping forward to sponsor the Junior and Juvenile categories.

Handing over the prizes was Sales Representative Marcia Ragnauth, in the presence of her colleagues, to the President of WSUCC, Franklin Wilson.

Ragnauth, in brief comments, said that Fazia’s Collection had no hesitation in acquiescing to the club’s request to come on board and took the opportunity to sponsor the Junior and Juvenile categories as these cyclists are the future of Guyana.

President Wilson expressed sincere thanks on behalf of the club to the management and staff of Fazia’s Collection Variety Complex, noting that they have always been very supportive of the club and its activities.

“The fact that Mr. and Mrs. Anderson did not have any second thoughts on being a part of this activity which would help build the community, speaks for itself. They have always been supportive of sports and the development of young athletes.”

The first edition of the Bartica Cycling Classic was held in 2019, and, like all other sports, was subsequently put on hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

This year’s race is expected to be bigger and more exciting as the cream of the nation’s cyclists, including defending champion, WSUCC’s Briton John, who has been enjoying a fabulous start to this season, will face starters orders.

John’s fellow teammates, Aaron Newton and Alex Leung, will also be in contention, as they have been very competitive among the Seniors, despite still being classified as Juniors.

There would be no registration fee for Ladies, Juniors and Juveniles riders, but Seniors and Masters will pay G$1,000.

Meanwhile, the Ladies, Juniors and Juveniles will pedal off the day’s action from 09:30h and will be riding for 45 minutes with an additional two laps.

Masters, Under-45 and Over-45 will be riding together for 60 minutes with an additional two laps, while the seniors will be riding for one hour, 45 minutes with an additional two laps.

Ahead of Sunday’s race, registration can be done at the Professional Key Shop on Carmichael Street, or Chin Chan Cycle Store, Robb Street.

Additionally, the organisers are hoping to run off a race involving only Barticians with the likes of His Worship Mayor Gifford Marshall and Regional Chairman Kenneth Williams, along with their respective deputies, REO, and club leaders, competing.