Posted: Friday, January 3, 2025. 12:09 pm CST.
Cory Williams crossing the finish line on Central American Boulevard in Belize City on January 1, 2025 – Photo Credit: William George Ysaguirre
By Rubén Morales Iglesias: The 34th KREM New Year’s Day Cycling Classic saw history being made as Cory Williams from the Miami Blazers set a new record time of 3:23:23 for the race that runs from the Belize-Mexico Border to Belize City. However, the Cycling Federation of Belize (CFB) confirmed that due to a rollout because of road conditions, the race’s distance was much shorter.
The Cycling Federation of Belize is in a quandary over officially recognizing Williams’ time as a record. Traditionally, the race was said to be 96 miles from the Mexico border to Belize City. The previous best time of 3:29:55 was set by Marlon Castillo in 2009 when the race was believed to be 96 miles. This distance is being questioned as well, since modifications to the northern road over the years have shortened the distance.
Even if the road were 96 miles, this year’s race couldn’t be 96 miles due to the rollout. Usually, there has been no rollout for the KREM Classic, but because of road conditions caused by the reconstruction of the stretch between the border and Corozal Town, the CFB said cyclists requested a rollout. As a result, the race effectively covered only approximately 91 miles. Therefore, while Williams’ time is much shorter than Castillo’s, so is the distance. Hence, while it is a remarkable time, the CFB is calling it a ‘New Record Time’ rather than an official record.
That is the same problem the CFB has with the Holy Saturday Cross Country Cycling Classic.
Whichever way, Williams now has a new title apart from Caribbean Road Champion and Belize National Road Champion.
Riding together with Valvoline’s Oscar Quiroz and a group of other riders, Williams bided his time, strategically attacking in the final stretch after crossing the Belcan Bridge, passing Quiroz who may have attacked too early.
Williams’ impressive performance earned him the 1st place along with a prize package of $2500.00, a round-trip ticket to the USA, and a trophy. His record-setting ride marks a stellar start to the new year for the accomplished cyclist.
Quiroz claimed second place with a strong performance, taking home $1500.00 and a trophy. Third place went to Mexican Miguel Angel Cendales Lopez of the JP Tribikes Cycling Team, who earned $1000.00 and a trophy.
Advertise with the mоѕt vіѕіtеd nеwѕ ѕіtе іn Belize ~ We offer fully customizable and flexible digital marketing packages. Your content is delivered instantly to thousands of users in Belize and abroad! Contact us at mаrkеtіng@brеаkіngbеlіzеnеwѕ.соm or call us at 501-612-0315.
© 2025, BreakingBelizeNews.com. Content is copyrighted and requires written permission for reprinting in online or print media. Theft of content without permission/payment is punishable by law.
Comments
More Belize News:
The post 34th KREM New Year’s Day Cycling Classic: Cory Williams clocks shortest time ever; race distance shorter appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
Posted: Friday, January 3, 2025. 12:09 pm CST. Cory Williams crossing the finish line on Central American Boulevard in Belize City on January 1, 2025 – Photo
The post 34th KREM New Year’s Day Cycling Classic: Cory Williams clocks shortest time ever; race distance shorter appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
