The inaugural edition of the newly re-branded Beacon Trinidad and Tobago Cycling Festival was nothing short of a tremendous success. With new initiatives and a new vision for the event, PPCL set out to conquer a somewhat challenging task. Of course the idea of involving greater aspects of T&T’s culture remained but it was enhanced this year as those involved strived to make The Beacon T&T Cycling Festival a destination attraction event. From the actual cycling events bursting at the sides with an infusion of local culture, to a number of “spin off” events between race days, the Cycling Festival is well on its way to achieving such a status.

Staying true to the usual “tour” schedule, the Cycling Festival opened at the Queen’s Park Savannah on April 22nd with a breathtaking show of music, costumes, traditional characters and of course excellent international cycling. The attendance was also spectacular with thousands of spectators turning out to witness the event. The Cycling Festival caravan then moved East to the Arima Velodrome for its first night of track racing where patrons were thrilled with mind blowing performances by Swiss rider Franco Marvulli
(who donned a Team Beacon uniform for the Cycling Festival) as well as some local riders including youngster Njisane Phillips of South Claine Cycling Club who has been heating up the local racing scene all year.

The Cycling Festival headed South to Skinner Park the following day. Marvulli again made an easy task of the International races, riding away with the bulk of the prizes and cementing his position as the Most Outstanding rider for 2009 in the International Category. Njisane Phillips, King Ettiene and Tobagonian Emile Abraham were among locals who also put on strong performances that night.

The Tobago leg of the event was brutally hot and one could see the effect on the riders. Despite their best efforts however, home-boy Emile Abraham and Spanish rider Tony Tauler (riding for Team Beacon as well) broke from the pack early in the 40 lap event maintaining a significant lead till the end. Much to the delight of the Tobago crowd, that race saw Abraham take the victory, beating Tauler into second place with US rider Sterling Magnell of Rock Racing taking third. As they had been doing for most of their Tobago stay, the riders could not wait to head down to beautiful Pigeon Point beach to cool down.

Closing night at the Savannah featured the one lap running race leading up to the final moments of intense cycling action. The Kiss Savannah Dash was an intriguing build up and once the International contingent lined up for their final ride, the crowd was heavy with intense anticipation. As the victor Sebastian Donadio crossed the line in fine form and the curtains closed, all participants had to be commended for having played their part in a successful, entertaining event.

PPCL wishes to express our most heartfelt thanks to The Beacon, co-sponsors, authorities, service providers, volunteers, competitors, patrons and all those who contributed in some way or other to The Beacon Trinidad and Tobago Cycling Festival 2009.