THE ARIMA Velodrome will come alive from 7pm tonight as over 20 world renowned cyclists and a packed cast of Trinidad and Tobago’s top riders converge at the venue for the highly anticipated “Njisane Three-Day Cycling Festival” second edition.
Phillip, the brainchild of this unique developmental operation, revealed yesterday that all is set for three exciting days of cycling which pedals off at the Velodrome today, and continues at Skinner Park, San Fernando, tomorrow and Sunday. Thus far, the majority of international athletes have arrived in TT and are fully prepared for a different style of racing along this nation’s concrete cycling tracks.
Speaking to TT’s Olympian, he admitted that the visiting athletes have already settled in and are climatising to the tropical climate nicely.
“Those who have arrived already in Trinidad are enjoying themselves a lot so far. This morning (yesterday) we took them on a road ride from Port-of-Spain to Macqueripe Beach for them to see some of the sights and check out the beach a little. They are very excited to race here since some of them have never been to the Caribbean much less Trinidad and Tobago. It’s definitely going to be a great event,” said a busy Phillip. The 22-year-old Siparia-bred cyclist expressed pleasure with the second hosting since the event is particularly geared towards giving young nationals a chance to race, train and work alongside some of the iconic riders around the world. Additionally, the N3DCF II intends to elevate this nation as a prime sport tourism destination. With the National Cycling Centre, National Swimming Facility and Tennis Complex still under construction, Phillip has already begun to set a stern foundation for sport tourism with events such as this three-day tourney. Added to the cast are soca artistes and other cultural flavours which will surely set a welcoming tone and for the already in TT for today’s racing is London Olympic Men’s Sprint silver medallist, Gregory Bauge, Tomas Babek (Czech Republic), Hugo Barrette (Canada), Robert Groger (Germany), Patrick Constable and Jai Angsuthasawit (Australia); Damian Zielinski (Poland) and female Malgorzata Wojtyra (Poland), among others. The visitors will be mixed with local riders and placed into groups where they will compete for points over the three-day period. Speaking to a handful of local riders yesterday, they revealed that the atmosphere for the N3DCF II is exciting but strongly motivational as well.
However, German phenom Robert Forstemann, Venezuelan Hersony Canelon and Colombian Fabian Puerta would not be able to make it to this year’s edition due to circumstances beyond their control. The trio have expressed deep disappointment with their unexpected omission but wished Phillip and all enthusiasts of sport and event, a resounding success.
Phillip also heaped praises on the Ministry of Sport, Sport Company of Trinidad and Tobago and all other sponsors of the N3DCF II for giving their support in whatever way to the further development of national and Caribbean cycling as a whole.
International Athletes For N3DCF II
Males - Tomas Babek (Czech Republic), Hugo Barrette (Canada), Robert Groger (Germany), Patrick Constable and Jai Angsuthasawit (Australia), Damian Zielinski (Poland), Gregory Bauge, Julien Norberto, Benjamin Fabien Edelin (all of France), Louis Killworth and James Garratt (England), Akeem Williams (Jamaica)
Females - Malgorzata Wojtyra (Poland), Laurie Berthon (France), Hayley Edwards and Jennifer Davis (England), Juliana Rendon (Colombia), Ana Teresa Bonilla and Daniela Gaxola (Mexico).