NAMILCO Financial Controller Mr. Fitzroy McLeod hands over the main trophy to RBC President Brian Allen in the presence of staff members, RBC Secretary Ms. Theresa Pemberton (2rd left) and NAMILCO Assistant to Managing Director Mr. Autamaram Lakeram (right).
The 12th annual Wheat Up CARICOM Day Cycling Classic sponsored by the National Milling Company of Guyana (NAMILCO) and organized by the Roraima Bikers Club (RBC) was yesterday unveiled with the announcement that the prizes have been increased.
Financial Controller, Mr. Fitzroy McLeod speaking at the company’s Agricola, East Bank Demerara Head Office said that it was his company’s pleasure to once again be partnering with RBC to bring off what is considered one of the biggest and most lucrative cycling meets in Guyana. “This 12-race criterium format has provided an opportunity for cyclists at the various stages of development to test themselves in a safe yet challenging endeavor while affording spectators an exciting, family friendly ambience which is close to the action and great for interaction.” This year’s event will again be held at the Seawalls Bandstand circuit and will pedal off at 09:00hrs.
McLeod stated that the company has found the event to be enjoyable and took the opportunity to call on lovers and supporters of the sport to come out on Monday, CARICOM Day to witness the cream of Guyana’s riders battling for supremacy from the BMX stage up to the Seniors.
RBC President Brian Allen said that the club will be looking to make the event a true CARICOM event by inviting riders from sister countries but this would have to have the support of the Government of Guyana and more corporate entities.
It is also the intention of the organisers to involve the NAMILCO staff in a competitive nature. The winner of the feature 30-lap contest apart from trophy and cash would also benefit from One Year’s supply of Wheat Up.
Also delivering remarks at yesterday’s launch was NAMILCO Assistant to the Managing Director Mr. Autamaram Lakeram and RBC Secretary, Ms. Theresa Pemberton. The Annual Wheat Up Classic, the brain child of former RBC President now Patron George Humphrey was formally a one race event in observance of CARICOM Day. But three years ago, the decision was taken to make the event a one-day activity that would involve more riders and offer the public the opportunity to enjoy competitive racing close up and personal.
Humphrey, a diehard cycling supporter and sponsor also served as President of the Guyana Cycling Federation (GCF) which has sanctioned Monday’s Classic. Close to half a million dollars would be up for grabs.
The first to third place finisher in eleven (11) of the races would be rewarded with cash while the top six in the feature event would receive cash with the top three also collecting a trophy. Fifteen (15) sprint prizes would also be at stake valued at $1000 each in the main event.
Following is the list of events:
Event Laps
12-14 years/juveniles 3
Juniors/Category 4 5
Categories 1-3 5
Veterans Under-50 5
Veterans Over-50 5
Win and Out (open) 8
Points Race 12
Mountain Bikes (open) 5
BMX (6-9 years) 2
BMX (10-14 years) 2
Females 5
Wheat-Up Classic (open) 30
Source: KNEWS |SPORTS
By Franklin Wilson