Half a million-dollar purse for final cycling showdown

Cyclists from the host club and all across the island will converge at the Mineral Heights to Jamalco circuit in the Clarendon capital of May Pen where they will compete in several categories.

Sunday's meet is sponsored in part by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at of Jamaica, headquartered here in the Old Harbour region.

The partnership is seen by both club and the Islamic movement as a win-win opportunity for youth engagement and development.

“As Muslims, it is our obligation to serve our neighbors, our community, and our nation. Hence, we look for every opportunity to help. As a mosque, we have been working with the Elevation Cycling Club for over a year now. They are doing a wonderful job shaping our youth into responsible individuals. For this reason, we decided to initiate and sponsor a new race. This is our first race with the club, and our goal is to help our youth become the best versions of themselves,” said Tariq Azeem, missionary in charge of the community in Jamaica.

“Our community believes that nations cannot be reformed until the youth are reformed. It is for a reason they say, “An idle brain is the devil’s workshop.” Therefore, as good Muslims, we strive to promote healthy and productive activities wherever possible.

“I hope and pray that more and more youth get involved in this race and other similar activities.”

Registration is $2,000 (adults), $1,000 (all-comers) and free for children. Registration opens 10:55 am and will remain open up to five minutes before action gets underway at 12 noon.

There will be cash prizes for the top three places in all categories, while the winner of the 36-mile feature race - consisting of six loops - is set to pocket $60,000.

The event is expect to feature some of the nation's best riders including former national senior champion Jerome Forrest and three-time national junior winner Jaequan Dixon - both from Elevation Cycling Club based in Bodles, Old Harbour.

Orwyn Richmond, head coach, Elevation Cycling Club, says the riders are ready but will be paying keen attention to how Dixon and Peter Robinson perform against the elite riders having recently matriculated from the junior rank. However, based on what has been happening in training lately, another top former junior Melvin McFarlane has improved immensely and is certainly one to watch.

“The riders are prepared. Without going too much into details they would have done a lot of the required training and I can assure that they are ready to take it all home and to end 2024 with a bang,” Richmond said before adding:  “Overall because it is a shorter course I am expecting the crowd to be more engaged.”

Acting club president Alton Duhaney is appealing to the public to come out, have fun and witness some exciting races.

Duhaney, who competes in the super masters category said: “Our objective is to inspire and uplift the youth within the community. That’s why we always include both an all-comers category and a special category for children. We believe the next national champion could come from this very community, and our club is dedicated to helping the youth reach that level – and even higher.

“We’re expecting an exciting day of competition with big-name riders like Jerome Forrest, Barenton Bailey, Andrew Ramsay and Obrian Madourie coming in from Mobay and all across the country. The races will be close, thrilling, and a great display of talent.

“We’re calling on the community to come out, show their support, and cheer on the youth. Your encouragement could be the push they need to take their cycling journey to the next level. Let’s rally behind them and help shape the champions of tomorrow!”

The main feature race for elite riders is said to be very open this time around and based on comments made by Forrest it’s difficult to bet on a clear winner 

Speaking to Old Harbour News, he said: “I am not at my best right now because I haven’t been training in the last five days due to work commitments, but Jamaica can expect me to give of my best at all times and can look forward to a good race from me. So wherever that places me I will be satisfied with my performance.”

Meantime, Sheriel Brown of Sheriel International Ministry of Hope Inc Ltd – a faith-based non-profit charity registered in both the United States and Jamaica – has committed to support the Elevation Cycling Club. Brown, who is from the Bodles community as well, told Old Harbour News that she will be making a presentation to the club in the form of rehydration fluid, protein bars, safety gear and other essential items.

“I’m excited to see it,” she said. “It’s my first time and I’m looking forward to supporting it and being there actually in person, I’m excited to be a part of it.

“My hope is the young ones they will elevate themselves, have a brighter future and to help them build self-confidence in them. I’m here to motivate them to get out of the negativity and for them to see that there is better and more to life than what they are doing.”