INTEREST is heightening for Saturday’s Newsday/Caribbean Lifestyle Communications Network Republic Day International Cycling and Fun Run at King George V Park, St Clair.

At yesterday’s launch at Mike’s Bike Shop, Ariapita Avenue, Woodbrook, event organiser Michael Phillips said the seventh staging of the event this year is being jointly funded by the Newsday, the Caribbean Lifestyle Communication’s Network — the home of Ebony 104fm; Radio 97.1fm as well as Gatorade, Blue Waters, Yoplait Yogurt, Hi Lo, KFC and Kiss.

All proceeds from the registration will be given to the Newsday ‘Save the Street Children Fund.’ Registration fee will be $50 for all participants inclusive of the runners and cyclists.

Phillips said he applauds Newsday’s continued effort towards the event, particularly in severe financial times.

This year a new champion will be crowned as last year’s winner Ryan Parnes of the United States will not be here.

2008 winner Guy Costa is backing himself to win the event despite the presence of a large international field of cyclists that include Germany’s Stefan Steinweg and Henner Rodel, Denmark’s Michael Smith Larsen and Nichlas Eberhardt Sorenson, Lang Reynold, Johnathan Teeter and James Stout of the United Kingdom.

Yesterday, Costa said he holds the event close to his heart as it is one of the prestige events on the cycling calender.

“The international (athletes) will be coming strong but we have something to show as well,” he said. The event will begin with an aerobics warm-up at 2:30pm before the fun run 30 minutes later. The feature 30-lap cycling event will pedal off at 4pm. Officials are targetting well over 100 riders for the cycling event and between 350-500 athletes for the fun run. Denise Demming, president of the Trinidad Road Runners Club said the event, for the first time, will have electronic timing.

Demming also sent out a message to Government that sports should be the preferred choice in the fight against crime. According to Demming, local officials should be spared the burden of paying for ambulance and police officers for sporting events.

“If Government is attempting to promote healthy lifestyles, then they should be the ones paying for these services,” she said.

-Walter Alibey

Source: www.newsday.co.tt