Guatemala Rider Wins Belize Cross Country Cycle Race

On the road in Belize for the Annual Belize Cross Country Cycle Classic 2011

For the second year in a row a rider from neighboring Guatemala has won the Annual Holy Saturday Belize Cross Country Cycle Race, one of the most grueling cycles races in Central America that is now in its 83rd year.

Luis Santizo won the 145 mile race that started in Belize city at 6 am with a pack of over 130 riders from Belize and six other countries ranging from Guatemala, Mexico, Costa Rica, Venezuela, Cuba and the United States of America.

At the midway point at San Ignacio in western Belize, former two-time champion Chris Harkey of the U.S.A. broke away from the main peloton and briefly led the race all the way on the return journey until he was reeled in just past Belmopan on the way to Belize City. From there the race seesawed back and forth with various teams jostling for the lead as they battled strong heads winds on the descent from the western highlands unto the swamp flatlands that embrace the finish line at Belize city.

At about mile 3 before entering Belize city Luis Santizo managed to break away from a six man lead group that included Belizean Shane Vasquez and his fellow team mate Belizean Marlon Castillo. Santizo rode in solo unto the finish line at Marine parade in front of the seaside Memorial Park.

In a post race interview Santizo said he had no words to express the joy and emotions at winning the cycling classic. He explained that his Orange Walk Town based Sugar City team’s strategy was to position his fellow rider Belizean Marlon Castillo for the win but that Castillo was unable to take over the lead at the end of the race. He stated, “This win is not for me, it is for my Belize team and for all Belizeans.”

Second place went to Guatemalan rider Carlos Hernandez, third place to Mexican Wilhem Bravo and fourth place to Belizean Shane Vasquez.

In recent years no Belizean has won the race and this has caused some sections of the media and press to be continually demanding a “Belize” win. The race is open to any amateur rider from any country. Most Belize teams bring in international riders to beef  up their teams and help with strategy and improve their chances at winning. The last Belizean to win the race was Shane Vasquez in 2006. The winner in 2007 was Boyd Johnson (U.S.), in 2008 Ryan Baumann (U.S.), 2009 Carlos Lopez (Mexico) and 2010 Miguel Perez (Guatemala).

In addition to prizes awarded at the end of the race, ($5,000. for the champion) station prizes are awarded by various villages on the highway. The race is Belize’s biggest sporting event and is held to coincide with the Easter Holidays. These prizes include cash, farm produce including a bull and sheep, trophies, and gold jewelry. Belizeans and tourists jam the highway route to cheer on the riders. This year’s media coverage was spotty as the Belize Cycling Association did not allow mobile television cameras and coverage was restricted to stationary cameras or cell phone audio calls into the local radio station.