Cyclists compete on city streets

Good evening I’m James Adderley and we welcome you to this September serving of Sports Monday. The criterium ride has become an annual fixture on the celebration calendar. But one would not have known this year from the number of riders who showed up for this twenty-five lap event on the Central American Boulevard yesterday.

As we go to the picture we can see only eight cyclists ready to go, which is a far cry from the usual forty or so, who would have been expected to participate. Apparently, the boycott by the Santino’s team hurt, but this scene also mirrors the current decline in the sport.

Among the spectators today is the golden one Ernest Meighan, who has opted not to showcase his cross-country calibre in this event.

In the early goings its Jeffrey Zelaya and Elbert Pope in command. While setting chase right behind them is Francisco “The Animal” Flores and big Mike Lewis.

At tape time, it’s still a battle between Zelaya and Pope, but today Jeffrey Zelaya is clearly the boss forcing Elbert Pope into second place. Orson Butler pulls up for third place, Bruce Sanchez is fourth, while big Mike Lewis rounds out the top five.

In the junior twenty lap event, here’s Christopher Galvez taking top honours edging out Herman Requena and Mark Staine in that order.

While the mountain bike feature was taken by James Welch, Ernest Thurton finished second; Miguel Jones pulled up third.

Meanwhile folks, the September celebrations continue this week with bodybuilding taking centre stage at the Holy Redeemer Parish Hall on Saturday September fifteenth. We got some details about the event from bodybuilding Vice-President Alfred McKenzie.

Alfred McKenzie, Vice-President, Bodybuilding Assoc.

“This year the association will hosting the fourth Mr. Belize Bodybuilding Championship at the Holy Redeemer Parish Hall, Saturday 7:30 p.m. We’ll have the masters, the seniors, the juniors and the novice along an exhibition from two females, one fitness and one bodybuilding.”

James Adderley

“Could you tell us some of the personalities you think will provide maximum excitement to the Belizean bodybuilding fans?”

Alfred McKenzie

“Well we’re looking forward to the comeback of former Mr. Belize Rushiel Bevans and also Gilroy Nembhard, last year’s champion and very tough frontrunner in the Mr. Belize 2000, Edwin Ramirez from out of San Pedro. Also, we’re looking at guys like Roger Sutherland, Deon Danderson, Dylon Jones, Nelson Nolberto and others.”