MCYS ‘Ride for Life’ five-stage cycle race October 16

Oct 11, 2014 Sports

By Zaheer Mohamed
The eight edition of the ‘Ride for Life’ five-stage cycle race is set to commence on

Minister of Sport Dr. Frank Anthony makes a point during the press conference alongside director of sport Neil Kumar (left) and GCF President Cheryl Thompson.

October 16 and conclude on October 19. The event is being organized by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport (MCYS) in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and the Guyana Cycling Federation (GCF).
Speaking at the press conference held at the MCYS yesterday, Minister of Sport Dr. Frank Anthony said they are pleased to be part of the event which has become the premier cycle race in Guyana. He stated that the cyclists are looking forward to the event and they expect a large number of overseas participants which will improve the quality of the race. The minister added that they want the race to be listed on the international cycling calendar and they are working feverishly to achieve this feat by 2016 when Guyana celebrates its 50th Independence Anniversary.
Anthony lauded the Ministry of Health for their input adding that they were able to educate the youths on HIV/AIDS during this event. He pointed out that the ministry provided training for cyclists in this field and they are looking forward to maintain this partnership. Anthony indicated that they want to target other diseases-their causes and symptoms stating that he is satisfied with the work done so far.
President of the GCF Cheryl Thompson said they are grateful to the MCYS and informed that 15 cyclists including five from Suriname, four from French Guiana and one from the Netherlands have already confirmed their participation and she expects more entries shortly. Thompson said she is looking forward to a competitive event.
The first stage will pedal off at 07:30 hrs from Corriverton Police Station and proceed to Alexander Street, New Amsterdam-46.6 miles (75km) while the second leg will commence at 14:00 hrs from Rosignol and proceed to Carifesta Avenue, Georgetown- 60.4 miles (96km) on the same day. Stage three will be held on October 17, at 09:00 hrs from Wales Police Station to Bushy Park, East Bank Essequibo-35 miles (65km). The fourth stage will commence on October 18 at 07:30 hrs from Supenaam, proceed to Charity before returning to Suddie 67.1 miles (107.05 km). The fifth stage will start at 08:30 hrs from Kara Kara and proceed to Homestretch Avenue- 64.5miles (103.3km) – a total distance of approximately 266 miles (430 km).
Transportation for officials and cyclists will leave the MCYS compound, Main Street at 12:30hrs on October 15. Registration for cyclists closes on October 13.
Director of Sport Neil Kumar informed that they are well prepared for the race adding that security measures and adequate accommodation are in place.
Among the local cyclists expected to take part are Geron Williams, Marlon Williams, Akeem Arthur, Raynauth Jeffery, Hamza Eastman, Robin Persaud, Michael Anthony, 2014 Jnr CARIFTA Games silver medalist Alanzo Ambrose, Paul De Nobrega and Robin Persaud.
Raynauth Jeffery won the event last year in 10 hrs 05mins and 33 seconds, the junior category was taken Hamza Eastman in 10 hrs 09 mins and 56 seconds, while Raymond Newton carted off the veteran division in 10 hrs 09 mins 57 seconds.