It is the single biggest sporting event in all of Belize. In fact some would argue that after 78 years the Cross Country Cycling Classic has crossed all barriers and is the biggest one day event in Belize. And so as is the tradition at 6 am on Saturday hundreds of Belizean and foreign cyclists will set off on a 144-mile ride for the garland. It's been four long years since a Belizean won the race. And so on the mind of cyclists and their fans isn't who will win but rather, if a Belizean will win. So will one? That's what we tried to find from two of this year's favorites, Quinton Hamilton and Jawmaine.
Quinton Hamilton, Cyclist
"I am feeling good right now and I am very confident and very motivated and right now I am just waiting for the day because I think right now I am ready for this year's Cross Country."
Keith Swift,
Do you feel a lot of pressure?
Quinton Hamilton,
"Well every year we are under pressure due to a Belizean not winning the Cross Country in the past four or five years so we going to be ready this year though."
Ernest "Jawmaine" Meighan, Former Champ
"I am feeling good and prepared physically and mentally ready for this race, me and my team."
Keith Swift,
What's the pressure like being that you were the last Belizean to win?
Ernest "Jawmaine" Meighan,
"Well I know a lot of Belizeans need a win so we got to work together and hopefully a Belizean on our team win but if a Belizean win, we'll be glad for that."
Ernest "Jawmaine" Meighan is the last Belizean to have won the race. Last year's winner is William Elliston who rode for team Comfort Air. The first Belizean finisher last year was Michael Lewis. He was also the only Belizean in last year's top five finishers.
