Cyclists battle new course at Republic Day Classic

For over 10 years, the Republic Day Cycling Classic has been a Criterium event held at Nelson Mandela Park in St Clair (formerly King George V Park). This year, however, Phillips Promotions, organisers of the Republic Day Cycling Classic, has decided that it is time for a change. The event is now a 75km road race, starting at Mike’s Bikes on Ariapita Avenue in Woodbrook and heading to Couva and back.

Over the past few years, local cyclists have been advocating for more road racing opportunities so Phillips has seen this as an opportunity for the local cyclists to compete with high level international cyclists in a longer race and on roads which they are familiar.

There will be riders from Argentina, Colombia, France, Dominican Republic, Guyana, Barbados, Jamaica and of course Trinidad and Tobago just to name a few.

The organisers anticipate a fast and action-packed race as the elite cyclists compete for a $2,000 first prize and over $10,000 in prizes. Dominican Republic’s Norlandy Sanchez and Rafael Meran, who finished second and third respectively last year, have confirmed their attendance. It is uncertain if defending champion Varun Maharajh of TT will compete.