Campbell hopes Team PSL can top Beacon Cycling

Trinidad and Tobago cyclist Akil Campbell is hoping PSL Cycling Club can continue its brilliant form in local cycling, when the Beacon Cycling on the Avenue Six takes place on Ariapita Avenue in Woodbrook, tomorrow from 7.30 pm.

PSL dominated the four-stage Tobago International Cycling Classic (TICC) and the Tour of Tobago which concluded on Sunday. Dutchman Peter Schulting of PSL won both the TICC and the Tour of Tobago events. This is the second consecutive year a PSL rider has swept the events in Tobago. In 2016, Dutchman Arno Van Der Zwet won the four-stage event and Canadian James Picolli won the Tour of Tobago.

Campbell, a former top junior cyclist, finished sixth overall in this year's four-stage event. Speaking about his performance in Tobago, Campbell said, "It was good, better than the years before so I am happy about it, happy with the form I have right now."

Campbell's best moment in the Classic came in stage three when he won the Plymouth Criterium in 51 minutes, 07.72 seconds.

Asked if he was confident he will win the main 35-lap event at the Beacon Cycling event tomorrow, Campbell said it depends on the PSL team plan.

"I just have to see how the team feels about it, the team plan going into the event. I am not sure what the plan is as yet, but definitely we will try to win the race."

The 21-year-old San Fernando resident said he is learning from his more experienced teammates especially the team captain.

Campbell said, "They always try to teach us things as we go along with the racing such as tactics. (I am learning a lot from) Nick Stopler the captain of the team."

Campbell said constant communication has helped PSL be successful. "We talk before and after the race so it is a lot of communication that made the success possible. Also (the support from) Mr Desmond Roberts, the CEO of PSL Cycling Club."

Ten events will take place tomorrow on Ariapita Avenue with the main event closing the night's schedule. The main event is scheduled to start at 8.40 pm.