AFTER his stint of creditable performances on the American circuit, national cyclist Emile Abraham wants to improve his US Criterium rankings when he takes part in two major meets, June 1 and 2.
Abraham and his Rossetti Devo Cycling team will battle against a number top American cycling clubs at the Lake Bluff Twilight Criterium and the Glencoe Grand Prix respectively.
Both events will be held in Chicago and will feature the local rider competing for honours in the endurance events.
Last week, Abraham and his team finished sixth overall at the USA Crits Series Speed Week. The 38-year-old cyclist recorded several commendable finishes in seven endurance events that propelled him to 10th position on the USA National Criterium Calender (NCC) Rankings.
The Tobago-born rider will attempt to improve his rankings at these two meets.
Contacted yesterday Abra-
ham said, “Currently I’m fifth overall in the USA Crits Series and 10th at the NCC. I plan on trying to defend or gain on both calendars throughout the season starting with Lake Bluff (USA crit) and Glencoe (NCC),” he explained.
Reflecting on his performances at the Speed Week, Abraham admitted that he has improved on his athletic development. Even though he competes for an American club, Abraham heaped praises on Trinidad and Tobago for his growth as a professional cyclist.
He continued, “My experience at Speed Week was a motivating time for me especially at this point of my career.
“It is always a great pleasure to be alongside the best (competitively) and as an ambassador to my country, especially being national champion and wearing the national colours.
“It continues to fuel my drive for the sport and hopes that my success can inspire more youth in Trinidad and Tobago.”
Abraham also acknowledged his club and its members for sticking to a strict and timely training schedule.
He admitted that these sessions are rigorous but well worth it, since they have been proven to produce the desired results.
“The team and I are based in Atlanta (Georgia) and I do all my training here. Other than that, we do a lot of recovery rides during races, as races are very demanding. We race approximately two to three times a week,” he added.
The endurance rider said he is proud to be flying the red, white and black flag in such competitive cycling events on the global stage.
Abraham affirmed his loyalty to the style of riding and was elated to still be ahead of his game and represent Trinidad and Tobago.
“There has never been a road rider from TT that has excelled internationally (criterium). And for me, to have been racing 27 years of my life, with 20 years of that representing TT, I am proud to be at the top of my sport for all these years.”
Source: www.newsday.co.tt
By JONATHAN RAMNANANSINGH