From 10 a.m. this Sunday, August 24, cyclists will ride off in the 2014 National Lotteries Authority Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Cycling championships.{{more}}

The 70-mile event will see cyclists circuiting the Mt Grenan to Georgetown route, making eight and a half laps of the course, with the start and finishing point being at Colonarie.

Seven territories – Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, the British Virgin Islands, Grenada, St Kitts/Nevis, St Lucia and host St Vincent and the Grenadines – will contest this year’s championships.

Set to face the starter’s orders will be two entries from Anguilla, while defending champions Antigua and Barbuda will send five cyclists; the British Virgin Islands – one; St Kitts/Nevis – two and St Lucia – three.

Meanwhile, host St Vincent and the Grenadines will ride off with the largest field – 12 entrants.

Speaking to SEARCHLIGHT on Tuesday, president of the St Vincent and the Grenadines Cycling Union Trevor Bailey confirmed that plans are in place for an anticipated exciting championship.

He said that the cycling has received good support from the local constabulary, which will provide outriders and other security reinforcement, while the Green Hill Sports Club has saddled up with them as marshals for the course.

And, the SVGCU, on Tuesday last, received more financial assistance from three local entities.

Pitching in to help were the St Vincent and the Grenadines Tourism Authority and Premium Products, each of whom gave $5,000 and Lewis Pharmacy, $4,000.

When the 2013 edition was held in St Lucia, Antiguan Andre Simon had been crowned the 2013 OECS Cycling Champion. Andre won in 2:12:14 hours, just ahead of St Lucia’s Kurt Maraj and Anguilla’s Justin Hodges, who placed second and third respectively.

But Bailey is hoping that St Vincent and the Grenadines will at least end up on the podium this Sunday.(RT)