Elevation ready for a thrilling start to the year

Elevation Cycling Club is set to pedal back into action for the first time this year with the highly anticipated Development Race, which takes place along the challenging Mineral Heights to 19 Miles circuit in Clarendon on January 14 at 8 a.m.

The club is eager to kick-start the New Year with a spectacular event, aptly named 'Come Watch We Elevate', after a premature end to the final race meet last year due to rain.

The day's highlight should be the $100,000 feature race, a carryover from the December 17 meeting, cut short by heavy rain. The unexpected turn of events left riders registered for the Super Masters and feature race, unable to showcase their skills on the circuit, bringing an anti-climactic end to what promised to be an exhilarating competition.

The anticipation for the feature race remains high despite the setback, with elite cyclists Jerome Forrest, Barenton Bailey and Andrew Ramsay expected to renew their fierce rivalry.

These seasoned competitors have consistently demonstrated their prowess in various races over the past 12 months, promising an intense battle for the coveted prize.

"Because of the prize money with the top five set to get cash prizes, we expect about 40 cyclists to compete as this will be the race to settle it all as to who is the top athlete for 2023," said Orywn Richmond, member of the technical planning committee.

Richmond added that he expects some wild card entrants to come from as far away as Portland and Montego Bay.

"Once the weather cooperates, we will see who is the fittest and most prepared elite cyclist in Jamaica," Richmond said.

In the junior category, national champion Jaequan Dixon and Peter Robinson, representing Elevation Cycling Club, face Damaine Douglas of McForce Cycling Club.

This trio of young talents is poised to deliver a thrilling competition, vying for the top honours in a category that promises excitement and potential future dominance on the cycling scene.

There will also be categorised races for Masters, Super Masters, Females and All-comers, including BMX racers and a race for children.