In its young history Guatemalan cyclists dominated the course, Miguel Perez (Guatemalan) winning its inaugural run. Unlike the rest of classics, foreign competitors were allowed to take part from the get go. Last year, Ernest Meighan finished center of the podium, but he was flanked on his right by a Guatemalan rider (Rudy Ispache). Belize in June and July generally causes cyclists to have to ride in strong winds and rain. This race has favored the older cyclists. Performing well calls for level-headedness in the face of minor disasters, like a puncture or a crash. But the risk taking and the brutal effort it takes merely to finish, still fascinate the fans and the cyclists, who love the race. Locally, there is a long history between the riders based in Belize City and the Western regions. The city-based cyclists were and are still dominant on the flats, realizing scorching speeds. The west-based riders literally have the ability to take off at any given time whenever the road tilts up. This rivalry always has its intrigue, because it is much easier for a hill climber to become a speed demon than a rider from sea level to become a master of the rough mountain range. The Choto brothers have the transitional ability between speed and power, and of late have been demonstrating their gifts and skills. For ?Big Mike? Lewis, Ernest ?Jawmeighan? Meighan, Ian Smith and Mateo Cruz, the leading contenders in the ?Cyclist of the Year? competition, to prevail, they all must understand that the mountains mean much pain and suffering. It was reported that foreign riders will be participating in this year?s edition. Whispering has surfaced from the Guinness Seahawks camps that they will field a foreign entry. The Santino?s/SanCas amalgamation will have to neutralize that. Guinness Seahawks? imports usually come from Mexico, and Santino?s/SanCas usually import from Guatemala, unless it is Sabado De Gloria, then it is entirely a different ball game. Neither team wants to give an inch in the battle for dominance and will not sit idly by. I was reliably informed that Mateo Cruz and Michael Lewis are challenging each other for the ?Cyclist of the Year? title. The riders will be doing head to head battle through the racing calendar, starting with this race. Mateo won last year. Michael has never been crowned with this distinction. As he so correctly put it, ?When a race is called, my name appears?. Once you have attained success, expressing it is not boasting: it is merely stating the facts. Santino?s Bike Club Sunday, June 26, at 7:00 a.m. From Acros to top of Cement Hill 1stPrize ? Trophy + 250 Points & Jersey 2ndPrize ? Trophy + 150 Points 3rdPrize ? Trophy + 125 Points 4thPrize ? Trophy + 112 Points 5thPrize ? Trophy + 100 Points 6thPrize ? Medal + 90 Points 7thPrize ? Medal + 80 Points 8thPrize ? Medal + 70 Points 9thPrize ? Medal + 60 Points 10thPrize ? Medal + 50 Points Trophies will be given to first three ?B? Riders 10 Station Prizes of $50.00 each at? R & R Body Shop, Bravo Motors, Democracia, Belmopan Airport, R. Creek Texaco, Mount Hope, Go Slow, Busman, Running W & San Ignacio Hotel. Helmets & Numbers Mandatory! Service opens at Mile 25 & closes at Mile 50 (Camalote) Service opens at Georgeville & closes at Esperanza Registration Fee: $10.00 at Ordonez Bike Shop $20.00 on Race Day (except for riders from the Districts)
National Road Championship
