THE Trinidad and Tobago Cycling Federation (TTCF), in collaboration with Mike’s Bikes will pay host to the National Mountain Bike Championships, scheduled to pedal off at the Arboretum, Chaguaramas, on Sunday.
This highly anticipated event is expected to attract a wide variety of off-road riders, all vying for top honours in various categories. Speaking at the event’s launch which was held at the Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee Office, Port-of-Spain yesterday, promoter Michael Phillips said this year’s event will be one to remember.
The Championship is the first TTCF sanctioned mountain bike event ever in TT. It is being considered an exhibition event and will be held next year under the auspices of the world cycling governing body, the International Cycling Union (UCI). The first-time event will comprise three main events; the TT Time Trial, Kids Cross Country and an Open Cross Country.
Cyclists will start the course individually at 30-second intervals, and ride one lap of a cross country course. Categories being contested will be Tinymites (13-14), Juveniles (15-16), Juniors (17-18), Elite (19+) and Masters (40+, 50+, 60+). The near three-mile (4.8km) course begins at the Arboretum and heads down to South Bank where the cyclists will make a “U” turn and head back up the North Bank, and then back to the starting point.
The Kids Cross Country will feature a one mile course that begins and ends at the Arboretum. The courses have been specifically designed to mirror an Olympic format cross-country event, consisting of between 4-6 kilometres. Registration fee for children 2 years and Under has been reasonably priced at $60 per person; while ages 13-18 will cost $80 and all riders ages 19 and over will be required to pay $100.
All entries are to be submitted by Friday and there will be no race-day registration. Cyclists must be registered with the TTCF to take part in the event.
More information can be received at the email address northernrangersmbc@gmail.com or the Mike’s Bikes Facebook account.
The event is being sponsored by Dimes, Chaguaramas Development Authority, Geronimo’s, National Lottery Control Board, Hyundai, Blue Waters, Yoplait, Kiss Hearty Balance, Gatorade, Mike’s Bikes and the TTCF.
-Jonathan Ramnananansingh
Source: www.newsday.co.tt