Launch of the Jamaica International Cycling Classic 2025

Cyclists across the world will line the streets of the second city of Montego Bay this weekend for the 4th staging of the Jamaica International Cycling Classic. The 3-day event being held from April 4 to 6, is being hosted by the Simmonds High Velocity Cycling Club and serves as a platform attraction for international cycling teams to participate in and earn Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) points, allowing them to qualify for other events such as the Olympics and the Grand Tours.

Speaking at the launch of the event, Friday March 28, President of the High Velocity Cycling Club and coach, Mr. Carlton Simmonds highlighted the significant growth of the Jamaica International Cycling Classic since its first iteration. Over 14 international teams from over 20 countries are down to participate. The countries including Honduras, Ecuador, the United States, Belgium, the Netherlands, Philippines, Brazil, Colombia, Guyana, Belize, Puerto Rico, Canada, the Cayman Islands, Trinidad, among other Caribbean countries.
“We’re moving from 3 teams internationally the first year to 5 the second year to 6 international teams last year,” Mr. Simmonds said.
He also commended the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) for their support in promoting and positioning Jamaica as a competitive and recreational cycling destination.
“They have come on board in a very huge way this year in terms of assisting to host the event and make it possible. It speaks volume of not just the competitive side but along with the tourist board and their involvement positioning Jamaica as a key location for cycling because their mantra is to have Jamaica as a prime location for cycling on the recreational side and pushing brand Jamaica out there.”

Mr. Simmonds also pointed out that though the route for the cycling classic has remained the same, the mileage for two of the stages have been increased this year.
“So, the first stage will see the riders starting and ending at Witter Village, so the first stage is going to go out to Falmouth it’s going to loop back to the Rose Hall Great House and head back to Falmouth so that loop will be done 3 times before they head back to Witter Village, so we looking at an increase of about 25-30 miles on that stage. ” he outlined.
On day two riders will head out 80 miles to Discovery Bay and back, while on day three, (Sunday) riders go from Witter Village to Duncans where they will execute 3 loops and return to their starting point.

Meanwhile, the event has been endorsed by the Sports Development Foundation (SDF), whose General Manager, Mr. Alan Beckford praised cycling as a good sport for Jamaica. He also acknowledging the impact of the Jamaica International Cycling Classic on the individual development of local cyclists, affording them the opportunity to score international points.
“We think it is something good because of the mere fact that we can stay in Jamaica now get UCI points. For persons who may not know, in most sports of this nature, you try to get as many international points which moves your ranking up and at the end of the day, the higher you’re ranked is the more events that you generally qualify to get in to” he shared.
Mr. Beckford further disclosed that the foundation recently provided $500,000 in funding to assist Jamaica’s Cycling team with airfares to the Easter Grand Prix in Trinidad.
Speaking on the influence of multi-day sporting events like the Jamaica International Cycling Classic on the local sports scene, President of the Jamaica Cycling Federation, Dr Wayne Palmer highlighted that hosting events like these in Jamaica aligns with the vision of the federation over the next four years.

“You know the Olympics is next door to us in the United States and we believe that events like these are what starts to build going forward into those events. We think that these events will allow our riders to experience the kind of cycling, performance, races and competitions that we anticipate will be coming up in 2028.” he said.
He believes it is essential to more host events of this nature locally, as they will pair selectors and scouters to identify the best talent.
“It is challenging for you to take all your riders, all parts of the country and fly them all over the world to get high quality competition so if we can put the competition at home, it then allows us to talent identify those at home who will perform at that level.”

In addition to other prizes, cyclists will be awarded for being named the overall winner, the overall team, the Top under-23 cyclist and best local rider.