NATIONAL cycle coach Hassan Mohamed will run off the 15th edition of the Castrol-sponsored cycle road race on Sunday in the West Demerara area.The event, which was won last year by Raynauth Jeffrey in a time of one hour 55 minutes 17 seconds, will see a new champion crowned this year as the defending champion is off his saddle due to an injury he sustained a few weeks ago while training on the East Coast Highway.
The event will wheel off at 08:00hrs from outside the Wales Police Station, West Bank Demerara and the junior and open cyclists will journey to Bushy Park, East Bank Essequibo before turning back to finish near the Demerara Harbour Bridge.
The veterans, mountain bikers as well as the ladies will travel from Wales and proceed to Uitvlugt before turning back to finish near the Demerara Harbour Bridge also.
Akeem Arthur will be defending the junior title he won last year while Wasim Hosnoo, who won the veterans’ category last year, is a doubtful starter for this year’s event.
Ozia McAully is the defending champion in the mountain bike category and will most likely make a successful defence of that title this year.
Taswanha Doris won the ladies’ title last year and should also make a successful defence of her title.
Monty Parris won the veterans Over-60 title last year, but will not be around this year to defend that title.
All in all, the race is wide open for new faces to occupy the podium in a few of the categories that will be contested.
With Hamza Eastman, Alanzo Greaves and Geron Williams currently in the United States training and competing there, the way is wide open for younger cyclists to make a name for themselves.
The top six finishers in the Open category will be rewarded for their efforts as well as the top three finishers in the junior, veteran, mountain bike and ladies categories.
Castrol representative Junior Persaud is expected to witness the race as well as make the presentation of prizes to the respective winners.