Photo by Cycling Federation of Belize
by Marco Lopez
BELMOPAN, Tues. April 2, 2024 – Riding for team LL, 26-year-old Luis Lopez broke the Holy Saturday Cross Country Classic record of 5:40:12 ѕеt in 2008 bу Аmеrісаn Rуаn Ваumаn bу 46 ѕесоndѕ. He finished the grueling 140 mile race from Belize to San Ignacio with a time of 5:39:26.
In an interview following the race, Lopez said that he did not expect to win.
“I feel very happy and very tired. I know I was coming in with force, but I also knew that there were other strong cyclists. Really, I didn’t expect to win first place. I came here to prepare for the important future events in my country,” Lopez said.
Second place was Alex Rony Julajuj of team PPP Development Racing. He finished at 5:39:46.
Maxwell Abner, an under 23 rider of team Skyline Cadence Cycling took third place. He is a team mate of John Delong, winner of the 2024 KREM New Years Day Cycling Classic.
At forth place was the only Belizean to make the podium this year, Carlton Robinson of Alliance United Cycling Team – finishing at 5:39:57.
Defending Champion, Oscar Quiroz ended in 12th at 5:41:26.
A total of 41 elite riders rode in this year’s race, with a total of 86 cyclist taking on the road.
Since 1928, the Holy Saturday Cross Country Classic has been a staple for Belizean sports, and a highly sought after events for regional and international cyclists.
Cross Country da tradition! Respect is due!