BELIZE CITY–Cycling fans across the country are presently anticipating the 25th running of the KREM “Big Shilling” New Year’s Day Cycling Classic, held annually on New Year’s Day, January 1, which is now only three days away.
The race has gained significant prestige on the Belizean cycling calendar over the years, but still, the organizers have pledged that this year’s edition will the biggest ever, based on the bounty of station prizes that will be awarded to participants along the route of the race.
The Elite, U-23 and Master’s groups of cyclists will start off from near the Belize/Mexico border at 9:00 a.m., while the female and junior riders will leave from the Orange Walk Town Hall, with the females taking off at 9:30 a.m., and the juniors at 9:35 a.m.
All riders will head down the Philip Goldson Highway towards the finish line, which will be located in front of Santos Diaz and Sons Ltd. on Central American Boulevard in Belize City.
The top three finishers in the Master’s, Female and Junior races will receive trophies and cash prizes, while in the Elite race, 4th to 20th place riders will get cash; the third place rider will get $1,000 and a trophy; the rider in second place will get $1,500 and a trophy; and the first place winner in the Elite category will receive $2,500, a round trip ticket to the USA, $250 Digicell phone credit, and a trophy.
Also of note is that there are loads of station prizes en route to the city, including seven $1,000 station prizes in the Elite race.
Live coverage of the race will be provided by KREM Radio and KREM TV.
