GUYANA’S top wheelsmen will compete for honours today when the 7th annual Baker’s Memorial 60-mile Cycle Classic gets underway at 08:00hrs in the mining town of Linden.

With lucrative cash prizes and other incentives up for the taking, cycling enthusiasts can expect much excitement and a thrilling finish in the Open category of the 60-mile event, as a new champion will be crowned, since last year’s winner of the event – Raynauth Jeffrey – will not be home to defend his title. He is currently in the United States, training and competing on the North American circuit.

In Jeffrey’s absence, the race is now a wide open affair and predicting a winner is anyone’s guess; for there are quite a few riders who have been showing good form.

The pick of the lot is Hamzah Eastman, who for the 2018 cycling season has chalked up more than four victories, both on the road as well as on the inner circuit of the National Park.

However, other cyclists to keep an eye on include Paul DeNobrega, Jamal John, Andrew Hicks, Romello Crawford and Alonzo Ambrose.

Last year’s winner of the Veterans category – Junior Niles – is expected to make a successful defence of his title, but he will have to be wary of the likes of Walter Grant-Stuart, Leer Nunes and Warren `40’ McKay.

Briton John won the junior category last year and can make a repeat this year.

The event is being sponsored by Squadra, Sports Plus, the Baker Family and Friends and Clear Water Guyana Inc.