ROSE HALL, St James — Leighton Anderson of Nitro Cycling Club will defend his Rotary Club of Montego Bay East Bikeathon title when the 2011 event gets underway this morning from Whitter Village in Rose Hall, St James.

The event, which is in its 16th year, is set to get underway at 7:00 am and will feature professional, junior and master cyclists competing for the championship in the signature sporting fund-raiser.

Anderson will be defending his title this year, and will go up against members from the various cycling clubs in Jamaica, including the Montego Bay-based Breakaway Cycling Club.

Unlike last year when they journeyed to Duncans in Trelawny, the cyclists will ride a 74-kilometre course from Whitter Village to SeaCastles and return, while walkers and runners will tackle a course through Ironshore.

Competitors in the kids’ bike race will take on a closed bike course within Whitter Village.

An upbeat president of the Rotary Club of Montego Bay East, Winsome Stewart, said its all systems go for Bikeathon 2011, which is shaping up to be a stellar event this year with increased interests from individuals and numerous corporate entities within the city.

Stewart lauded the individuals and companies who are supporting Bikeathon 2011, through provision of sponsorship for the event and scholarships for exceptional tertiary and high school students from St James.