The route has been confirmed for the highly anticipated Independence Three-Stage Cycle Race, with the final leg set to exclude the Linden Highway due to ongoing roadworks that have rendered the stretch unsuitable for racing.
Organised by the Guyana Cycling Federation (GCF) in collaboration with the National Sports Commission (NSC), the event gets underway on Saturday, May 17, with competitors scheduled to race twice on the opening day.
Defending champion Briton John, who swept all three stages in the 2024 edition, is expected to return to defend his title.
A mainstay on the national sporting calendar, the race begins with Stage One at 7:30 a.m on Saturday. Riders will set off from the Corriverton Police Station, heading west along the Corentyne coast before finishing in New Amsterdam.
Stage Two follows later that afternoon, starting at 2:00 p.m from the Berbice River Bridge and finishing at Liliendaal, Georgetown. This leg will incorporate key elements of the historic route.
After crossing the Mahaicony Bridge, cyclists will veer left onto the old Mahaicony Road, then turn right onto the traditional Drill Road. At the new Mahaica Bridge, the peloton will swing right onto the old Mahaica Road, traversing familiar ground en route to the capital.
The third and final stage takes place on Sunday, May 18, beginning at 7:30 a.m. from Eccles Community, just outside Georgetown. Spectators based along the Linden Highway and in Linden will need to travel to Eccles, as the highway is currently unsuitable due to prolonged roadworks and poor surface conditions.
First held in 1983 and originally organised by former national cycling coach Hassan Mahamad, the Independence Three-Stage remains one of Guyana’s premier cycling events, drawing elite local and regional talent.
With fast-paced sections, technical corners, and the reigning champion back in the saddle, this year’s edition promises high drama, stamina and excitement from start to finish.
Defending champion Briton John, who dominated the 2024 edition by winning all three stages, is expected to return to defend his title.
A mainstay on the national sporting calendar, the race opens with Stage One at 7:30 a.m. on Saturday. Cyclists will roll out from the Corriverton Police Station, heading west along the Corentyne coast before finishing in New Amsterdam.
Stage Two follows later that afternoon, beginning at 2:00 p.m. from the Berbice River Bridge and concluding at Liliendaal, Georgetown. This stage will incorporate segments of the historic route. After crossing the Mahaicony Bridge, riders will veer left onto the old Mahaicony Road, then turn right onto the traditional Drill Road.
At the new Mahaica Bridge, the peloton will swing right onto the old Mahaica Road, navigating familiar territory en route to the capital.
The third and final stage takes place on Sunday, May 18, starting at 7:30 a.m. from Eccles Community, just outside Georgetown. The change in start location comes as a result of ongoing roadworks along the Linden Highway.
The Independence Three-Stage remains one of Guyana’s premier cycling showpieces, attracting elite local and regional talent. With high-speed sections, technical turns, and the reigning champion back on the start line, this year’s edition promises to deliver drama, endurance and excitement from start to finish.
