The Guyana Cycling Federation (GCF), in partnership with the National Sports Commission (NSC), is gearing up to host the 42nd edition of the highly anticipated Independence Three-Stage Road Race, scheduled for May 17-18.
A GCF official revealed that this year’s edition will revisit the race’s traditional routes, where possible, from its formative years, aiming to test riders’ endurance and tactical skills on familiar yet demanding terrain.
Stage One will commence from Corriverton and cover approximately 40 miles, winding through the scenic countryside before concluding in New Amsterdam.
Stage Two will feature a route from Berbice Bridge, D’Edward Village, and finish on Carifesta Avenue or the National Infectious Disease Hospital at Liliendaal.
The final destination is still to be confirmed, pending an assessment of Carifesta Avenue, which is currently undergoing expansion work.
In a notable departure from recent years’ for Stage Two, which primarily followed the main roads along West Berbice and the East Coast Demerara corridor, this edition will return to a deviation through the villages of Mahicony and Mahaica, traversing the “old roads”.
The total distance for the second stage is projected to be around 62 miles.
Director of Sport, Steve Ninvalle (far right) and Deputy Chair of the National Sports Commission, Cristy Campbell, along with the top six cyclists from the 41st Independence Three-Stage Cycle Road Race (PHOTO: News Room/Akeem Greene/May 19, 2024)
Due to ongoing construction on the Linden/Soesdyke Highway, the third and final stage will be contested as a circuit race on the East Bank of Demerara.
The circuit, starting from the Eccles Dump Site Road heading west, will turn left in the direction of ‘Red Road’ in Providence, before looping back to the Heroes Highway.
Each lap is approximately two miles, with riders expected to complete 30 laps, totaling 60 miles.
Last year, Briton John dominated the race, claiming the title with a flawless performance, winning all three stages and accumulating 45 points.
The GCF official also highlighted that a strong field is expected, with many of Guyana’s top riders set to compete.
Additionally, teams from Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, and Suriname are anticipated to participate, elevating the race’s regional significance.
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