AFTER ENDURING three days of tireless travelling, Trinidad and Tobago cyclist Njisane Phillip and manager Peter Maharaj finally arrived in Astana, Kazakhstan at approximately 9am yesterday.
Phillip has already commenced preparation for the important International Cycling Union (UCI) Track World Cycling Cup.
Manager Maharaj revealed that the local cyclist will have to maintain a healthy diet and get lots of rest if he is to produce another commanding performance at the World Cup on Saturday and Sunday.
This meet is one of four World Cup tournaments that Phillip must endure over the next two months to obtain the necessary points to qualify for the Olympic Games.
Maharaj explained, “Njisane is settling in and got on the track this afternoon (yesterday). All will be good. Nutrition is very important, and if I could get him to consume 5000 calories on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, we’ll be good. Rest is also very important. There is a sequence I learned for Njisane prior to his record breaking performance in Colorado Springs this year.”
Although the duo are still recovering from a lengthy journey to Astana, Maharaj revealed that Phillip is in good spirits and is putting in the final preparation ahead of the World Cup. Despite the tedious journey to Astana, where the duo encountered several hurdles, Maharaj is confident that Phillip will have a good showing.
Phillip’s manager admitted that it is now crunch-time for the cyclist to demonstrate his consistent cycling abilities and show his talent at the World Cup.
“Training was done through the months of June through August. This (World Cup meet) is what it’s all about. The plan is to move forward, be the best in the Keirin and Sprints. We’re not sticking,” said Maharaj yesterday.
He explained that his role at this stage is to ensure that Phillip was comfortable at the tournament and is not troubled by the administrative problems that he has encountered to get to the meet.
Source: www.newsday.co.tt
By JONATHAN RAMNANANSINGH