Happy New Year!
Different countries and cultures have different ways of turning the page on their calendars. One of the most interesting and best is a bicycle race that is one of the country's major sporting events.
Is that country in Europe? Or is it Japan? Australia?
No, it's Belize. That a bike race would help to bring in its new year isn't surprising when you realize it was, until 1981, a colony of a nation with a strong cycling history and culture: England. And, much like Jamaica, Guyana and even Canada, it has retained British culture and customs to a much greater degree than the United States.
The race I'm talking about is the KREM Classic, sponsored by the country's first independent radio station. The first edition of the race was held in 1991. One interesting feature of this race is that cash prizes are awarded to the winners of each stage as well as for the best overall finishes. It also features a women's as well as a men's race.
Oh, and the race is clean: During the last few years, all of the riders have been tested and none came up positive. How many major races can say that?
Different countries and cultures have different ways of turning the page on their calendars. One of the most interesting and best is a bicycle race that is one of the country's major sporting events.
Is that country in Europe? Or is it Japan? Australia?
 |
| From the 2016 KREM Classic |
No, it's Belize. That a bike race would help to bring in its new year isn't surprising when you realize it was, until 1981, a colony of a nation with a strong cycling history and culture: England. And, much like Jamaica, Guyana and even Canada, it has retained British culture and customs to a much greater degree than the United States.
 |
| The 2018 women's winners |
The race I'm talking about is the KREM Classic, sponsored by the country's first independent radio station. The first edition of the race was held in 1991. One interesting feature of this race is that cash prizes are awarded to the winners of each stage as well as for the best overall finishes. It also features a women's as well as a men's race.
Oh, and the race is clean: During the last few years, all of the riders have been tested and none came up positive. How many major races can say that?
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