THE annual Ballot Box Martyrs 55-mile cycle road race will be staged in Berbice tomorrow beginning at 09:00hrs from outside the People’s Progressive Party/Civic headquarters on Alexander Street.

The day’s event is being sponsored by Berbice businessman Chris Jagdeo and is in observance of the 41st year since Parmanand Bholanuth and Jagan Ramaswar were killed while transporting ballot boxes on July 16 1973.
From the New Amsterdam starting point, the seniors and juniors will battle to the Corriverton Police Station and turn back to finish at Number 63 Village, while the veterans, ladies and mountain bikers will ride from New Amsterdam to Number 63 Village for the finish.
The first six overall finishers (seniors and juniors combined) will be rewarded as will the top three juniors, top three veterans and top three ladies.
The first Over-60 cyclist will also be rewarded.
Godfrey Pollydore who won the event last year in a time of two hour, 12 minutes 49.52 seconds will not be defending his title tomorrow thus making the way for a new champion.
In Pollydore’s absence, the way is open for Raynauth Jeffrey, Marlon `Fishy’ Williams, Paul DeNobrega, Robin Persaud or even Orville Hinds to claim top honours.
Michael Anthony who won the junior category last year is highly favoured to repeat as champion, while Berbician Wazim Hasnoo, who is in good nick at the moment, can dominate the veterans category, but only if Stephen Fernandes decides to contest the open category rather than the veterans category.
Other serious challengers in the veterans category is defending champion Raymond Newton, Linden Blackman, Junior Niles and Kennard Lovell.
Ozia McAully will be defending the mountain bike category and should come out victorious.
The cyclists will be sent on their way by a member of the PPP/C executive whose members will also assist with the distribution of prizes to the respective winners.
Meanwhile, cyclists are advised that transportation from Georgetown to Berbice will move from the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport office, Middle Street at 05:00hrs tomorrow.