Tobagonian hails Rainbow Cup’s tourism potential

The Rainbow Cup held its 13th edition on Saturday, with hundreds of athletes from around the world convening at the sister isle for the popular triathlon event hosted by the Rainbow Warriors Traithlon Club.

Melville was one of just a handful of Tobagonians who competed.

Melville, representing Revs Tobago, finished 12th overall in one hour, 19 minutes and 25 seconds (1:19:25) in the sprint triathlon. The race includes a 750m swim, a 20km ride and a 5km run. His time was good enough for a third place finish in the men’s 30-39 age group. Winning the age group category was Jamaican Phillip Mc Catty in 1:08:59 and Trinidad and Tobago’s Dwayne Roach was second in 1:11:08.

Melville was satisfied with his performance but was hoping for a faster time. “The performance was good, I was expecting to do a little better but I appreciate what I went out and did.” Melville said the run was his strongest segment of the event and felt he made up some ground during that segment.

He said, however, that he has to improve on his swimming. The Crown Point resident was the 21st out the water in 14 minutes and 13 seconds, 12th in the ride in 39:31 and 11th in the run in 23:57.

The 34-year-old, who competes for fun, said the Rainbow Cup is helping Tobago’s tourism but wants to see more Tobagonians involved.

“I feel real good because it is bringing foreigners to the land. It is a form of tourism, but one thing I would like to see is more Tobagonians coming out and being part of it. Having it here in Tobago and we only have two or three persons participating from Tobago; next year, I am looking to see a bigger crowd so I want to encourage the people to come out and be a part of it.” Tobago has produced numerous national footballers and track and field athletes, but not many locals have focused on triathlon.

Melville said more races in Tobago can create more excitement among locals to compete in triathlon.

“I think if they start putting on more races and opening some clinics, I feel that will help because we really don’t have (triathlon) clubs here. If we form some clubs I think that will help.”