Tidco, THA back Tobago cycling

The Tobago House of Assembly (THA) and the Tourism and Industrial Development Corporation (TIDCO) are the major sponsors of the Tobago International Cycling Classic from September 18 to 21.

This was revealed by Jeffery Charles of Trinbago Wheelers, organisers of the five-stage event which has so far attracted 20 overseas teams. The race is costing approximately $300,000 to stage. Charles is also the manager of Emile Abraham, top local cyclist who is the defending champion now riding competitively in the United States of America. Charles also said that ESPN, the American sports cable television channel was interested in covering the classic, but because  of financial constraints, it may not be possible to host them. He also lamented the fact that while there are excellent sponsors who have lent their full support to the race, cycling in general does not receive the same benefits as Trinidad and Tobago’s mainstream sports like cricket and football. Charles also stated matter-of-factly that the cycling classic is “the biggest cycling event on this side of the world, bar the USA.”

The event, which has been running for an unprecedented 17 years, has grown immensely, and is expected to be the biggest and best this year with over 150 international riders coming from as far as Austria, Belgium, England and Canada. Women’s teams from Curacao and Puerto Rico will also be in attendance. Charles said that despite the sponsorship such THA, TIDCO, Peake Industries, Guardian Life, Hilton Trinidad and Lucozade, a lot more is required to promote cycling locally. The classic has also received the backing of Chief Secretary of the THA, Orville London, who has also been the race’s patron for the past three years. Charles also said that on speaking to a Chief Commissar from the International Cycling Union (UCI) at last year’s event, he indicated that the Tobago Cycling Classic had everything necessary to become an internationally recognised cycling event, like the Tour de France. Charles also said Trinbago Wheelers Association was also developing a website to promote the idea of sport tourism. The website, which should be up and running in two weeks, will promote the Tobago Classic and other aspects of the industry in the sister isle. Charles also said that Johnson’s Apartments in collaberation with Crown Point Hotel will be the “Cycling Village” for the duration of the road grind.