THE main streets of Berbice, from New Amsterdam to the Corentyne will be a colorful spectacle this Sunday when the 16th Annual Cheddi Jagan Memorial Cycle Road Race is contested, the first of three races held during the month of March to commemorate the death of the former Head of State.
Riders from the Ancient County will have to step it up with the expected invasion of

the best cyclists in the country if they are to defend home turf successfully in the BK International-sponsored event.
Following a successfully organised Mashramani event by the Flying Ace Cycle Club, the Berbice riders are bracing for a higher level of competition come Sunday, with race time being 09:00hrs from Freedom House, New Amsterdam to Number 55 Village and then returning to Jagan’s birthplace, Port Mourant, Corentyne for the finish, covering a distance of 55 miles.
The Veteran, Upright, and Female riders will turn back at Hogstye on the upward journey and finish at Port Mourant, an approximate distance of 24 miles.
Rising star Raynauth Jeffrey is the defending champion of the Senior category, winning last year’s event in a time of 2h. 3m:29secs, taking the junior category in the process, but having moved up to the more Elite Senior category, he will be making way for a new Junior champion to be crowned this year.
Leading the charge for the top podium spot among the seniors will be Alonzo Greaves, who has been in tremendous form so far, Warren McKay, Geron Williams, Marlon Williams, Paul DeNobrega, Orville Hinds, Jude Bentley, Robin Persaud, Eric Sankar and Rastaff O’Selmo, among others.
The junior brigade will be a showcase of some young exciting talent with the likes of Raul Leal, Michael Anthony, Alonzo Ambrose and Akeem Arthur, all in contention for that title.
Veteran Kennard Lovell, who has not been in good form so far this season, may find the going tough in defending that title, against the likes of Junior Niles ,Shameer Baksh and Stephen Fernandes, who can all make this category an interesting one as well.
Nigel Jacobs (Upright), Naomi Singh (Female) and Walter Isaacs (Veteran Over-60) will look to keep a hold on their respective categories on Sunday.
Lead organiser National coach Hassan Mohamed MS said that the West Demerara leg of the race will be contested on March 10 while the Essequibo leg is set for March 24. Transportation for cyclists and officials for Sunday’s race will leave the Ministry of Sport building at 91 Middle Street, Georgetown, at 05:00hrs and all cyclists are being urged to be punctual to facilitate a timely departure for Berbice.