Scarborough, Tobago – Cyclists from the around the world will gather on the Caribbean island of Tobago for the 24th Annual International Cycling Classic. Held from September 28 – October 3, 2010, the five-day / five-stage event is broken into three divisions and will allow amateur riders and world-class athletes from the United Kingdom, Europe, North America and the Caribbean to test their skills.
Regarded as the Tour de France of the Caribbean, the event has attracted the attention of Olympic and world-class champions in the sport. In addition to last year’s winner, Pete Williams from the United Kingdom, professional teams from Austria, Canada, USA, Sweden, England and Germany, are also scheduled to compete in the Division 1 main event, against the best the region has to offer. Juniors, masters, juveniles, ladies and Category 3, 4 and 5 cyclists will compete in the open race, Division 2, while non-competitive and casual cyclists can participate in the recreational program, Division 3.
“Although highly competitive, the nature of the sport encourages a strong sense of camaraderie and team spirit, said Warren Solomon, director of tourism for the Tobago House of Assembly, Division of Tourism. “The race also provides Caribbean riders with a-once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to gain invaluable knowledge and experience from some of the world’s best coaches and managers.”
Despite the main activity being racing, the classic also prides itself on providing both participants and spectators a chance to change gears with a fun-in-the-sun atmosphere on Lay Day, Friday, October 1. During Lay Day, riders and visitors can relax and enjoy the steel pan beach lime and barbeque.
Stage 5, held on Sunday, October 3 and known as the Tour of Tobago, is the highlight of the five-day event. For a grueling 74 ½ miles, cyclists will traverse the island along its scenic coastline. Starting at Milford Road, Crown Point, the route travels along the Atlantic coast, crossing in-land at Speyside, and then brings riders along the Caribbean Sea. Cyclists will then cross the island through the villages of Moriah and Mason Hall and end at Milford Main Road, Crown Point.
Registration fees per cyclist are US $20 for Division 3, US $25 for Division 2 and US $40 for Division 1. For more information and details on the Tobago International Cycling Classic, visit www.trinbagowheelers.com.
