Cross Country Cycling Classic Live on Five

The annual Cross Country Cycling Classic, arguably the biggest sporting event in Belize, is a marvel of speed and endurance.  Holy Saturday has become synonymous with the gruelling tourney which draws participants and spectators from across the country and abroad.  While much is known about the cyclists, the route they travel and the coveted garland, little has been made public about the planning and organization of this mega-event. Among the many coordinators is Yvonne Robinson, a cycling enthusiast whose sole responsibility is the logistics of the race. News Five Isani Cayetano looks at what it entails to get the race on the road.

Yvonne Robinson, Belize Cycling Association

“Well basically Cross Country yo have to say yo woulda start from the year before sending out letters, getting in contact with people for donations, sponsorship because it really takes a lot.  A lot of planning, a lot of work and a lot of money.”

Isani Cayetano

“Leading up to Cross Country what are some of the basic things that need to get taken care of to ensure that the race goes through smoothly?”

Yvonne Robinson

Yvonne Robinson

“First money, because without money things can’t work.  Then the cyclists they have to get ready.  They have to get their licenses, the service personnel have to get their licenses and things like that.”

Isani Cayetano

“Can you tell us in terms of coordinating what takes place on the road, security, the service personnel, the media and what have you.  How does that work?”

Yvonne Robinson

“Well we have a technical director Mr. Melvin Torres, he’s in charge of the actual race and as tonight we will be having our technical meeting where the team managers will be attending and there thy will tell you everything from start to finish.  The media has their place, cyclists have their place, service vehicles have their places.”

Isani Cayetano

“What are some of the additions or subtractions in terms of rules for this year’s Cross Country?“

Yvonne Robinson

“In terms of rules I think nothing has been changed.  They have the, for the teams they have the two foreign participants for each team and we have invited the State of Quintana Roo, a team from U.S. of A. and Guatemala but Guatemala isn’t coming so that’s about it.”

Isani Cayetano

“The coordination between the association, the Traffic Department and the relevant stakeholders in making the Cross Country a success.  Can you tell us a bit about that? Working with these people and making sure that everybody is working in harmony.”

Yvonne Robinson

“Well last year we had an international commissar with us and he said that he admires the way the police do help us in the race.  He said that they are terrific.”

The job of the Police Department is equally challenging.  Their function is to maintain the flow of traffic and ensure road safety. But while riders compete for station prizes the Belize Cycling Association has to secure trophies and a grand prize.  According to Robinson they are behind on getting the prizes.

Yvonne Robinson

“We are still looking for finances because up until now we haven’t had our second place which is three thousand dollars and so we are still looking for financing.  We started from last year, I wouldn’t want to say begging but asking for contribution for our national event but to date it has been rough.”

Interestingly, as big an event as the Annual Cross Country Cycling Classic is it is poorly funded by the government and from what we know GOB is only contributing five thousand dollars for cycling for the entire year. The association relies on the business community for financial assistance.