Champion of the Loop rides off in Grande on January 7

The third edition of RideOut Cycling Club’s Champion of the Loop Invitational rides off from El Reposo Demonstration Centre on Oropouche Road in Sangre Grande on January 7, from 6.45am.

Last year’s men and women’s champions Mauriel Harewood (RideOut) and Glena Ramsoondar (Coconut Rim Cycling Club) are returning to defend their respective titles.

The riders in the elite men, amateurs, veterans and masters categories cover a criterium distance of 50km – ten laps around the 5km loop course, while the women and juniors ride 25km.

Riders pedal off from Oropouche Road, turn left to El Reposo Road, then left on to Toco Road towards the heart of Sangre Grande. They keep left and go around the Sangre Grande Police Station and left on to Oropouche Road to complete the circuit.

There will be police presence at all major corners to ensure safety, as well as support from volunteers of Sweaters Touring Team.

Event organiser Harewood said, “The aim of the event is to highlight the sport of cycling in the Sangre Grande community. Also, use it as a tool to attract more youths to get involved in the sport of cycling.”

The goal of RideOut Cycling Club for 2024 is to register the club and its members with the TT Cycling Federation. RideOut Cycling Club is a non-profit organisation that is registered with the Ministry of Legal Affairs.

It has a membership of 30 cyclists and is aiming to double that in the new year.

Sponsoring the event are Sherry's Event Décor, Sips & Treats Express, Beverage House, RAW, Supa Car Care, J De Freitas & Co Ltd, Nyce Customs Garage and Trainline Agro & Pet Supplies Ltd.

Additionally, individual sponsorship came from West Indies spinner and Sangre Grande native Yannic Cariah and Dion Webber.

Registration is $100 before Monday and $150 afterwards. Payments can be done online to Republic Bank, RideOut Cycling Club chequeing account 870 803 028 101 and must include the cyclist’s full name indicating it is for registration fee.

Cash payments can be submitted to Cruz Hinds (312 3798) and Marcell Thomas (373-0027).