Jamaica International Cycling Classic Returns to Montego Bay with UCI Certification

The Jamaica International Cycling Classic is gearing up for its highly anticipated return to Montego Bay in April for its third edition, now officially certified by the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI).

Race director Carlton Simmonds of Simmonds High Velocity Cycling Club expressed his excitement at the certification, highlighting the hard work of the organizing team, sponsors, broadcast partner SportsMax, and the cyclists themselves. This certification means that this year’s winners will earn valuable qualifying points for prestigious competitions like the Olympic Games, Pan American Games, and Commonwealth Games.

With the race now joining the ranks of other UCI-certified events like the Vuelta de Colombia and Tour de Normandie, Simmonds is optimistic that this status will attract more international teams and elevate the level of competition, ultimately boosting Jamaica’s reputation in the cycling world.

The 2024 edition of the race will see a significant increase in participation, with over 80 cyclists and a greater number of teams, including representatives from countries like Colombia, the Cayman Islands, Barbados, and the USA. The three-day event will offer a total prize purse exceeding US$10,000.

Cyclists will tackle a challenging course that winds through the picturesque coastal scenery of Montego Bay and St James parish, featuring six King of the Mountain speed climbs. Fans can follow the action live on SportsMax’s various platforms, including TV, the SportsMax app, social media, and YouTube, with races starting at 8:00am each day.

As the Jamaica International Cycling Classic continues to grow in stature and attract top talent from around the world, cycling enthusiasts can look forward to an exciting and competitive event that showcases the beauty of Jamaica and the skill of its cyclists.