Godfrey Pollydore will be in the saddle to defend his title at the National Sports Commission (NSC) 27th Annual three-stage cycle road race this year, thanks of the generosity of Director of Sport Neil Kumar.

Flashback… Godfrey Pollydore leads Darren Allen (head down) and Junior Niles at the end of the second stage in last year’s event.

Speaking with Stabroek Sport, Kumar stated that the  NSC is committed to having this event pedal off every year and with that in mind, the sports commission paid Pollydore’s airfare from Antigua where he now resides.
Pollydore who arrived in the country yesterday, won last year’s event, his fourth overall in a time of 7 hrs 20 mins 14 seconds.

All cyclists interested in participating in this year’s event, are reminded that registration closes tomorrow at the end of the work day at the office of national cycling coach Hassan Mohammed.

A top-class field which includes Niles, Warren Mc Kay, Robin Persaud, Christopher Holder Jnr, Leer Nunes, Geron Williams, Enzo Matthews, Philbert Alexander and John Charles just to name a few, is expected to face Mayor of Corriverton Roy Baijnauth on Saturday morning for the first stage from Corriverton to New Amsterdam.

Charles won last year’s first stage in a time of 1 hr 43 m 12:59s. Gordon Kennedy took the second in 2hr 38m 28s, while Darren Allen who will not be competing this year owing to academic commitments at the University of Guyana, took the final stage in a time of 2hr 58m 56s.
The first stage which covers 46.6 miles pedals off on Saturday from Corriverton to New Amsterdam from 6:30 am. The second stage from 2 pm will see the cyclists covering a distance of 60.4 miles taking off from the Rosignol Stelling and proceeding to Carifesta Avenue in Georgetown.

The third and final stage which pedals off from Kara Kara in Linden to Homestretch Avenue is the longest, covering a distance of 62 miles. It starts at 7 am on Sunday.

Trophies and cash prizes are up for grabs for the first six finishers overall. The first Junior and Veteran to complete the event will also be rewarded. The usual sprint prizes will be available for the three stages and the first three finishers in each stage will also be rewarded for their efforts.

Cyclists are asked to assemble at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport at 11 am on Friday for transportation to Berbice.