Source: www.newsday.co.tt
By: Jonathan Ramnanansingh
TOP local cyclist, Njisane Phillip defeated two Olympic medallists to win the World Series of Bicycling US Sprint Grand Prix held at the Valley Preferred Cycling Centre, Pennsylvania, on Friday..
The 2008 Olympian lifted the sprint title when he got past four-time Italian Olympian Roberto Chippia, two-time Olympian Giddeon Massie from Pennsylvania and Polish Olympic sprinter Kamil Kuczynski.
Chippia had to settle for the runner-up position, but third place was taken by Canadian sprinter Joseph Veloce.
At the cycling meet, Phillip was also named overall runner-up when he paired his sprint winning ride with a silver medal in the 5k.
In the Overall category, 2008 Olympian Bobby Lea of Pennsylvania was the winner and his teammate Shane Kline took third spot.
The Siparia-born rider also had promising performances in the early rounds of heat-sprints and proved to be an ever-improving cyclist for Trinidad and Tobago.
Phillip is currently undergoing final preparations for the Trexler Town Keirin Cup which will be contested today, at the same venue.
He goes up against similar opposition including 2009 National Keirin champion Massie, current national champion Matt Branoski, 2011 World Cup Keirin gold medallist Simon Val Velthooven and 2010 winner Eddie Dawkins of New Zealand.
The Trinidad and Tobago cyclist was optimistic about this year’s Keirin and eager to medal among the experienced international cyclists.
“The Trexler Town Keirin Cup is a big race for all local and international riders. I’m hoping for a good result,” stated Phillip.
Although Phillip is currently in great form, he is using these cycling meets to further develop his ability for the forthcoming National Cycling Championships and Pan American Games in Guadalajara, Mexico, in October.