It's that time of year again when cyclists will check their brakes and tires to ensure that they have a smooth ride through the streets of New Providence, during the Tour of The Bahamas.
The eighth annual event has attracted local and international cyclists who will be looking to pedal their way to victory, in the next two weeks. The tour is a two-day event, with races starting on Saturday, January 28 and continuing on Sunday. The routes for the two days are mapped out and organizers from JAR Cycling are ready to go. The event's major sponsor is Mahogany House.
"The event has grown by leaps and bounds. We are now able to have more of an international presence," said Jeff Major, race organizer. "We have some 80 persons who have registered so far, that includes local and international riders coming in to join us. The exciting part is seeing the registration move from 30 to more than 80 over the years. Last year we had about 105 riders and this year, I think we are going to top that."
Even though Major brags about the participation and the growth seen, he revealed that it was hard peaking the interest of international cyclists.
He said: "Yes it is hard to attract international persons to the event. Bringing the bikes into Nassau, via the commercial airlines is hard and that has always been a challenge. It has gotten worse now, because of the cost that is associated with the traveler and the bike which has to be counted as a part of their bags.
"The cost has been tremendously high and that is our main concern. Bahamasair has been so gracious to allow our participants to have free bike travel. We wish we can get that generosity extended from some of the international airlines which comes to The Bahamas."
The organizers will welcome several pro groups and development teams inclusive of Garmin, Hincapie, No Tubes AXA, Jamis Sutter, FloridaVelo Elite and Masters, ASV and Texas Road House.
Before taking to the streets, cyclists will unwind at a cocktail reception scheduled for Friday, January 27 at the Wyndham Nassau Resort. The action will start on Saturday with an individual timed trial. Cyclists are allowed to use road bikes only on the three mile race.
At 10:30 a.m., a six mile circuit race will get underway. The length in course is based on the age of the competitor. Participants in the 10-14 years and 15-16 years divisions must complete 18 miles or three laps. The open women, men and masters 40-50 plus, will do 30 miles which is equivalent to five laps around the course. Professional riders will have a 42 mile ride, or seven laps.
The third and final race will be held on Sunday. The junior competitors will ride for 24 miles. The 15-16 year old cyclists will be first up on that day, starting at 8 a.m. Five minutes later, the 10-14 year olds will hit the road. The first race in the adult series will get underway 9:30 a.m., 76 miles for those registered in the professional one-three divisions. The masters 40-50 plus will ride 57 miles, but will start at 9:35 a.m. The open men and women will also have 57 miles to complete. Their start time is 9:40 a.m. Even though there will be different courses, the start point is Clifton Heritage Park.
The Tour of The Bahamas has a prize purse of $6,000. Junior riders will be awarded trophies. The cash prizes are only for men and women's divisional winners.
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