Beacon shine for cyclists preparing for Cuban stint

The spirometer tests an athlete’s anaerobic threshold. That is the point where the body can no longer absorb and convert oxygen in the blood. The instrument, the only one of its kind in the region can be found at Club Savannah, Queen’s Park West in Port-of-Spain. Seven local athletes ranging between the ages of 15 and 25 were afforded the opportunity to test their mettle against the machine yesterday as part of the Beacon Insurance’s VO Max programme. This facilitates three cyclists travelling to Cuba as part of a five-week exchange programme between the two countries.

With precision as the focus the spirometer allows specific nutritional and training regimens to be formulated to cater to the athlete’s needs.
This will help coaches and trainers to be better equipped to prepare their charges for international competition in both endurance and sprint events. The seven cyclists included Bevon Luces, brothers Adam and Joshua Alexander, David Alves, Elisha Greene, Jason Gooding and Shannon Metivier who ranged in ages from 15-27. Only the three top-scorers will be selected to make the journey to Cuba.

As part of their initiative to up cycling’s profile in Trinidad and Tobago the Beacon Insurance Company, will launch their Road Safety Programme for Kids on January 24 at the King George V Park, Port-of-Spain. In view of the upsurge in the young cycling population, the programme seeks to introduce children to the fundamentals of on road bicycle handling including street signs, hand signals road markings and proper conduct while on public roads. Open to children ages five and upward, Beacon encourage parents to become involved in the initiative, for further information call 6-BEACON  (623-2266) or 687-RACE for pre-recorded information.