Tobago Cycling Classic celebrates 31 years

The best of International cycling rides off in the "Capital of Paradise" as Tobago will set the perfect stage for the highly anticipated Tobago International Cycling Classic 2017.

Over 300 cyclists from Europe, North America, South America and all of the Caribbean will converge on this island paradise for five days of the Caribbean’s biggest sporting exhibition of endurance, skill and speed.

Riders will be tested to their limits as they confront the sweltering tropical conditions and brutal terrain when they circumnavigate the island’s spectacular coastline in the feature event, the UCI Accredited Tour of Tobago. This road cycling event is sometimes referred to in international cycling circles as “The Tour de France of the Caribbean."

It is also the only such event in the region that has the full backing of the Geneva-based UCI - the world governing body for cycling.

The Cycling Classic will also feature two days of exciting Mountain Bike Racing through the picturesque trails of Tobago’s pristine rain forest reserve

The TICC will celebrate its 31st anniversary in 2017 which is a significant milestone, validating the prominence and the sustainability of this event. On this occasion, the TICC organizers will be looking to stage an event that will be unsurpassed in terms of competition, participation and viewership. The prime objective is to promote and boost sport and sport tourism activities in Tobago featuring this World Ranked-cycling event with daily video recaps on social media and live stream broadcast to an extensive worldwide audience.

"When any organization partners with the TICC, it is committing itself to delivering realistic relevance and value to the millions of followers who see the TICC as synonymous with any top rated international sporting event. Through media activations, product integration and social media, the TICC has the tools to engage a captive audience and highlight what sets Tobago apart from other Caribbean tourism destinations," a press release yesterday stated.

It continued, "Despite the challenges being faced in terms of reduced sponsorship in 2017, infrastructure and the high travel cost for international teams and their support groups coming to the event, the TICC continues to deliver in its ability to outpace and outperform other local and Caribbean sporting events on the international forum."

What makes this event so popular among the foreign and local participants is not so much the fact that it is the only race in the region from which they can accrue UCI points to improve their world ranking but more-so of the festive-like atmosphere that surrounds the entire week-long event. The TICC provides a unique forum where there is an atmosphere of friendly rivalry, sportsmanship and social bonding among competitors, support groups, media, sponsors and the locals.

"The Classic Rum Punch Beach Picnic is a highlight of the week’s activities, with a variety of exciting water sports and entertainment provided by the sweet sounds of the steel band and special appearances by local artiste and entertainers."

The Event’s 5-day calendar of activities will consist of races that catered to pro and elite cyclists and also casual and rookie bikers, both on and off road. Spectatorship and interest in the event continues to grow with the international circuit races around Plymouth Village and Scarborough appealing to larger groups of supporters.