Stars back for Tobago Classic

The TICC, celebrating its 30th anniversary, gets underway from September 27 to October 2 and is once again building up to be the Caribbean’s prestige road race as teams from across the globe gear up for another exciting six days of racing.

Cruz, who hails from Dominican Republic, will be hoping for a repeat of last year’s dominant display throughout the Tobago terrain. Rodman on the other hand, is also intent on retaining his Series crown when action gets underway with Stage One. Cruz will return with his South American-based Team Foundation unit, which also comprises of local road racers Adam Alexander and sibling Stephen.

This year, the Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee (TTO C) has come on board to implement random drug testing during competition. According to race chairman and chief organiser, Jeffrey Charles, this initiative ensures the event maintains a high standard and is in keeping with the rules and regulations of the UCI and the World Anti-Doping Agency.

“We want clean riders and will ensure that our competition remains drug free,” said Charles yesterday.

“The Tobago Classic wishes to maintain the highest of standards globally and our stance against doping will remain the same. Hence the reason why we have joined with the TTO C to ensure drug testing is done at this event.” Global sports television, ESP N, will again be on-hand for complete coverage of the tourney. There will also be live streaming of two Race Series stages – Plymouth Criterium and Tour of Scarborough – courtesy WI Sports on channel 14.

Mountain biking will once again play a major part in the TICC programme as defending champion Ryan Chin gears up to race against 2013 and 2014 winner, Jason Costelloe for the ‘King of the Mountain’ title.

Although Charles expects another bumper event, he admitted that sponsorship has been trickling in as compared to previous years. Main sponsor, Tobago House of Assembly (THA), has not disbursed their contribution to TICC yet while Charles is also awaiting word from the Ministry of Sport and other local stakeholders.

He is inviting new sponsors to rally around the TICC banner to gain international exposure.

“I understand the current economic situation but the Classic is still going full speed ahead. We have faith in our seasoned sponsors and hope they assist soon enough as the time draws nearer. We are confident though, and the Classic is on course as riders will soon begin to arrive in Tobago,” he added.

Veteran Tobago International Cycling Classic (TICC) competitor and Tobagonian Emile Abraham will be competing in the Race Series only.

Countries being represented this year are Holland, France, Denmark, Germany, USA, Colombia, Venezuela, St Maarten, Martinique, St Lucia, St Vincent, Guyana, St Vincent and TT .