NJISANE PHILLIP’S manager, Peter Maharaj slammed the Trinidad and Tobago Cycling Federation (TTCF) for what he called inconsistency and failure toward obtaining a ticket for his rider to the Olympic qualifiers in Astana, Kazakhstan, this weekend.
Maharaj was furious with the local cycling fraternity since Phillip’s step-father (Phillip Whiteman), was forced to purchase the ticket to Astana at the very last minute.
Whiteman originally bought the ticket to fly Nijsane to Astana from Los Angeles, USA, via Munich, Germany and Vienna, Austria.
However, Njisane was unable to use this booking because he lacked
a Schengen visa (Travelling on a Schengen Visa means that the holder can travel to any (or all) European Union member countries using one single visa, thus avoiding the hassle and expense of obtaining individual visas for each country). Whiteman then had to cancel that original ticket and purchase another taking Njisane from Los Angeles via London, Austria and finally Astana.
Phillip’s manager explained the horrific experiences and unforseen circumstances they had to endure on their still ongoing trip to Astana.
Maharaj said, “Trinidad and Tobago nationals are not allowed in Europe without a Schengen visa.
Because of all this during the past 24 hours (yesterday), Maharaj and Phillip were forced to endure freezing temperatures while sleeping at the Vienna Airport, not being allowed to book into a hotel.
Maharaj said, “this information was not shared (to us beforehand), otherwise I would have gotten one (visa) from the German Embassy (back home) in Southern California (LA).
An upset Maharaj continued, “I’m not picking a fight with the TTCF, but if I did not do the visa request for Astana, what would have happened? What would have happened if his step-dad did not foot the bill and absorbed the cost of ticket adjustment?
“We represent Trinidad and Tobago with pride, it will be nice if the feelings were mutual.”
Njisane his manager and coach were expected to come Astana this morning, and plans are set for him to go on to the track to go through his routine. He will be in action in the 200m sprint at the inaugural UCI World Cup on Saturday, seeking much needed points to qualify for next year’s London Olympics.
Source: www.newsday.co.tt
By JONATHAN RAMNANANSINGH