Beacon invests $350k to Cycling on the Avenue

Regional and international cyclists have dominated the main event since the Cycling on the Avenue began in 2012. South African Chris Jennnings, Dominican Republic’s Euris Vidal, Barbadian Jamol Eastmond and Norlandy Sanchez also of the Dominican Republic have all won the main event over the years.

Yesterday at the event’s press conference at Mike’s Bikes, Ariapita Avenue, Michael Phillips of Phillips Promotions spoke about the chances of the local riders.

Phillips said, “we have some young cyclists that are coming up. We have athletes like Akil Campbell; Tyler Cole is another individual who has the potential to be right up there. The endurance side of things, Adam Alexander has always had a good showing in terms of circuit events such as this. He has been in the top five at least a couple of times and he has been on the podium as well with teammates. So where we Trinbagonians would have won the sprint event, the main event has been something that has eluded us.” The main event is a 35-lap race with cyclists starting and ending each lap at Mike’s Bikes. Many of the international cyclists who will compete at the Tobago International Cycling Classic from September 27 - October 2 are expected to participate at the Cycling on the Avenue event.

Phillips thanked Beacon for their support over the years stating, “We know that Beacon has been involved in the sport of cycling for a number of years, well over two decades and we have been very fortunate. I think it is one of the most long-standing relationships between any sport and a sponsor particularly in the role of a title sponsor.

“We would like to thank Beacon for coming on board again with the sport of cycling and really creating that example of what the relationship and gain should be between a sport and the sponsorship of a company.” Beacon handed over a cheque worth $350,000 towards the event.

Kevin Siewdass, senior officer of branding and marketing at Beacon said sport has always been important to the company.

“Sport has always been a keen interest for Beacon and in saying so we believe that sport is one of the things that helps an individual be more well rounded, it gives you a lot of personal growth. It also gives the ammunition to be a positive effect in society and help communities. For this reason it’s why our shareholders have invested this much and committed to do that for this event and many other sporting events.”