THE Ballot Box Martyrs 55 miles cycle road race, which is organised by national cycling coach Hassan Mohammed and sponsored by Christopher Jagdeo of Corentyne, pedals off tomorrow morning. Defending champion Warren ‘40’ McKay will be looking to better his time of 2.05:31 seconds and at the same time stave off a strong challenge from his competitors when the cyclists are sent on their way at 09:00 h in front of Freedom House in New Amsterdam.
Set to compete in the senior category are: Robin Persaud, Jude Bently, Albert Philander, Eric Sankar, Junior Niles, Walter Grant-Stuart, Marlon ‘Fishy’ Williams and Christopher Persaud.
No doubt, McKay, who is the reigning National Sports Commission (NSC) Independence three-stage champion, will be hard-pressed by the abovementioned cyclists, especially Persaud and Jackson, with the latter recording a victory over McKay in the recently held Roraima Bikers Club/NAMILCO Wheat Up cycle race last Sunday.
According to Mohammed, while the seniors will proceed all the way to Corriverton, turn back and head to New Amsterdam for the finish, the Veteran, Upright and female cyclists will conclude their part of the race at Number 63 Village on the way up.
The first six finishers in the senior category will be rewarded with prizes, with the first three receiving cash and trophy for their efforts, along with the first three junior and veteran finishers.
Special prizes will be awarded to the first three females and the first Over-60 finisher, while eight sprint prizes will be up for grabs among the seniors during the course of the race.
Cyclists are reminded that transportation leaves the building in Middle Street at 05:00 h tomorrow morning for Berbice. (Calvin Roberts)