Cyclists prepare for Holy Saturday
Strong young men in tight spandex shorts…no wonder Belizean women are among the biggest fans of the Holy Saturday Cross Country Cycling Classic. Tonight News Five’s Janelle Chanona, quite a fan herself, takes a look at what to expect in this year’s competition.
Janelle Chanona, Reporting
The end of every Holy Saturday Cross Country Cycling classic isn’t always dramatic, but crossing the finish line of this race, after 144 grueling miles, is always an accomplishment. Every man and woman that makes it to Belize City deserves more than a little recognition. At times competition comes from the most unexpected places and injury or defeat is only a slip on the pedal away. But every year more riders, both professional and amateur, take up the challenge, eager to taste the sweet pain of victory. In past years, first place winners earned bragging rights but very little money. President of the Belize Cycling Association, Gerald Garbutt, says this year the association is looking at making sure the cash at stake is in the neighborhood of $40,000. But today the association is still begging for dough.
Gerald Garbutt, President Cycling Association
“I would like to ask the general public…we still have some prizes outstanding that we would like some assistance on and anyone who would like to donate can get in touch with me at FM 2000 or the treasurer at DFC. And we ask the public to come out and see at good race at the National Stadium, Belize will win.”
Garbutt also promises that things on the road should flow smoothly this time around.
Gerald Garbutt
“Where officiating concerns, we have gotten assistance from the Cuban officials, who are taking us to a little higher level of officiating. We are working very closely with the police; we are working very closely with the Sports Council. So we feel where the officiating is concern…as a matter of fact, we have crash courses for them so that they are more on top of their game and we hope it goes very smooth.”
In the past the riders’ route has had it’s fair share of bumps and sometimes even big potholes. The 5:00am start has found many a man down and out early in the race. This year, the gun goes off at 6 o’clock.
Gerald Garbutt
“We feel that for safety reasons for the riders itself, from experience in the past, couple riders have gotten in mishap, a puncture or something within Belize City and Hattieville and they are completely out of the race at 5 o’clock. We feel that for safety sake as I said, and listening to advice from the Cuban officials too, we take it into consideration.”
Janelle Chanona
“I could not help noticing last time I was on the Western Highway, in Hattieville they are laying down speed bumps.”
Gerald Garbutt
“Yes I saw it and I got a lot of complaints on that. I don’t know for what reason. I can’t say who is doing it, if it is a private firm, they must get the consent from the government. I thought that at least they would wait until after the Easter Holy Saturday race.”
With over 125 men and 3 women expected do battle for the big win; it’s difficult to find a favorite. Old reliables will no doubt bring their followings but newcomers to the scene are also packing heat. 16 year Ariel Rosado is one person who will raise more than a few eyebrows. Even at his tender age, Rosado already boasts impressive credentials, and as he steps on Holy ground, he’s got some of his competition a little nervous.
Ariel Rosado, Junior Rider
“George mentioned one time, my cousin George mentioned one time that I will be forcing them into an early retirement. I hope that’s not true, but I think some of them are taking it that way. Others are very supportive they are glad to see youths coming out. They are glad to see that I am helping this, a lot of youths have also started since I won the 1st of January race and a lot of them are taking me very well, they are coaching me, giving me tips along the way, supporting me quite a bit.”
Janelle Chanona
“As probably one of the youngest riders in this year’s cross country, how are you preparing for the race?”
Ariel Rosado
“Typical training that cyclists do every year. Every Sunday you do a long distance, 120/130 miles in hills and long distance continue to do the basic speed training. Nothing different from what most cyclists do. The only difference with me is that I am young and try to do things a bit differently.”
“I’ve already set my goals in life this is what I know I am good at, this is what I want to be good at all life. I intend to be the best; I hope to be the best in this at Belize. I want to help to carry Belize to another level. I want to make a name internationally for it, not only in Belize, I hope to go international in a few years and probably–if my dreams come true–become the first professional cyclist out of Belize.”
Hopefully, there’ll also be professional fans making an appearance at the sidelines. Believe me, the riders will all appreciate it.
Janelle Chanona for News Five.
Motorists are asked to please take heed of cyclists working out along the Western Highway by slowing down and giving then a wide berth.
