Kristine Chambers, ITU Coaching and Athlete Development Programs writes: You
expect hot weather in places like the Caribbean, but when the local residents
complain of high temperatures, you know it isn’t just hot… it is SWELTERING.
And the heat proved a formidable challenge for participants in the inaugural
Rainbow Cup Triathlon; May 21, 2005 in Tobago.
The event was an important part of ITU’s sport development plan, and focused
on field work and assessing the needs of National Federations (NFs) around the
world. Meetings were held with Granada, Trinidad / Tobago, Puerto Rico, Barbados,
and Martinique; in addition to talent ID during the youth, junior, Elite and
age group races. A local clinic was held in Trinidad for kids and youth, one
week prior to the event. A hardy group of athletes braved torrential rains to
enjoy a fun session practicing transitions and cycling skills. Many of the athletes
tested the new tricks at the Rainbow Cup Tri.The Caribbean boasts a strong inter-island
commitment to building the quality of Triathlon events and increasing coaching
expertise, youth programs, and school initiatives.
Most of the Caribbean isla
nds
already stage a minimum of one major Triathlon per year, with Puerto Rico offering
two Continental Cup races and a trend-setting Women’s Only Triathlon.
The Rainbow Cup, organized by Jason and Ian Gooding, enjoyed a wide representation
of athletes from the Caribbean as well as Canada, including eventual Elite winners,
Jason Wicke and Alicia Kaye.
Barbados took top honours in the Junior Elite category with Alexis Jordan and
Jason Wilson on top of the podium.
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