Briton John to represent Guyana at the UCI World Elite C/ship

The Guyana

C y c l i n g Federation (GCF) has taken a momentous stride in fosteringyouthcyclingand elevating the sport to new heights here in Guyana. This development came, following a recent release circulatedbythefederation on Saturday, which inferredthatNationalElite champion cyclist, Briton John has secured a Wild Card invitation to participate at the Union CyclistInternational(UCI) E l i t e W o r l d Championships in Scotland from August 51 4 T h i s m a j o r achievement marks the first time a Guyanese cyclistwillbecompetingat such a prestigious international level The U C I E l i t e Wo r l d Championships is a highly competitive event that draws the finest athletes from around the world.

Guyana’s representation at t h i s e s t e e m e d championshipwillnotonly bring pride and honour to thenationbutalsoserveas an inspiration for budding cyclistsacrossthecountry John will be under the guidance of former

National cyclist Horace Burrowes who serves as coach and also as the PresidentoftheGCF,ashe e m b a r k s o n t h i s momentous journey Meanwhile, securing a Wild Card spot for the World Champions is a testament to the GCF’s standing within the international cycling community It exemplifies the commitment of the newly elected Burrowes’ administration, as they advocate for needed advancement in the sport locally and their determination to provide their athletes with opportunitiesontheglobal stage.

According to the press release,“Thisachievement is a testament to the unwavering dedication of ourFederationinnurturing and developing cycling talent, especially among the youth. We are thankful to the UCI for granting us the Wild Card, which has provided a unique opportunity for our championtocompeteatthe global stage. We hope this milestone will motivate more young cyclists to pursue their dreams and represent Guyana internationally.” “We are immensely proud of our National Elite Champion, Briton John, and his exceptional coach, Horace Burrowes, who have worked tirelessly to reach this pinnacle of success,” said a representative of the GCF

The GCF extends its sinceregratitudetotheUCI forgrantingtheWildCard, as well as to all the sponsors, partners, coaches, and volunteers who have supported and will keep supporting in their vision for youth cyclinginGuyana.

With motivation and excitement surrounding the first game between Guyana and an African nation since the Guyana Federation Foundation (GFF) was founded 121 years ago, Shabazzhasselectedateam with several players who performed creditable during the recently concluded KFC EliteLeaguewhichfeatured the top clubs across the country

“For this friendly match against Ethiopia, we have selected a squad with some measure of continuity as we seek to widen the pool of players. Ethiopia will be a formidable opponent and a great challenge especially fortheladscomingoutofthe just concluded KFC Elite League.Theirabilitytocope with the demands made of them in this game, will measurehowmuchworkwe need going forward,” the headcoachexplained.

Those who made the cut torepresentGuyanaaretwo goalkeepers, six defenders, seven midfielders and three forwards.

ClarkeandJoshuaNarine

Defenders: Jeremy Garrett, Curtez Kellman, Reiss Greenidge, Marcus Wilson, Leo Lovell and RaushanRitch.

Midfielders: Daniel Wilson, Darron Niles, Ryan Hackett, Kelsey Benjamin, Yohance Douglas, Bevan BakerandKyleReid

Forwards:JamalPereira, Nicholas McArthur and DeonMoore.

Shabazz noted that this timeroundtheteamhas“six overseas-based players whoseperformanceswealso want to monitor with an eye onthefutureaswell.”

It is expected to be a thrillingmatchasbothteams are quick on the pitch and have the ability to secure multiplegoals.Itwillalsobe Ethiopia’s first time playing intheUnitedStates.

FIFA World Ranking has Guyana’s Senior Men’s Team at 168 and Ethiopia, the one-time Africa Cup of Nations champions, at 142 as of July 2023 Teams are rankedusingapointssystem on international form based o n t h e i r c u r r e n t performances.

The Federation has appealed to all Guyanese to get behind the Golden Jaguars as the GFF seeks t o c r e a t e e l i t e opportunities for the national squad to deliver topperformances.