Browne, Phillip to train with Forstemann

Tentatively set for the first week in June, Browne and Olympic compatriot Njisane Phillip will depart the shores of this nation, Germany-bound. Here, they will partner with one of Europe’s fastest and most feared riders, Robert Forstemann, in a unique training camp which has been especially set up for the trio.

After the inaugural “Njisane Three-Day Cycling Festival” in April, Forstemann invited Phillip to come to his country where the duo would train and work on their athletic prowess. The 21-year-old national accepted Forstemann’s invitation, but insisted that Browne come along to amplify his competitive aura. The German agreed, which was even more surprising, since Forstemann is known to train in seclusion, apart from when he is with the German national cycling team.

When the revelation was made to Browne approximately two weeks ago, he was ecstatic. Speaking to the 19-year-old rider, Browne admitted that he was pleased to be a part of such a major development step in his young but fruitful cycling career.

“I’m very excited to go to Germany and train with two of the world’s fastest sprinters. Not everyone gets an opportunity such as this and I am going to make the most of it. This is a big step for me as a young national cyclist and I thank both riders for providing me with this special chance to further develop myself,” he explained.

The three are expected to train at the historic Berlin Velodrom with Forstemann and his coach, Emanuel Raasch, among other managerial staff.

At the Easter Grand Prix earlier this year, Browne rode on Phillip’s team while at the Njisane Festival, he was a member of Team Two, which was captained by the 34” thigh German. The former Trinity East College student also attained the second most podium finishes as a local athlete (behind Phillip), at the three-day meet.

He thinks that his recent performances are what may have inspired Phillip to vouch for him on the German trip.

“Well I have been producing some good performances for the last couple meets and I think Njisane chose me because he knows I can do well. This is a great benefit for me. I am very eager to race on the wooden tracks and professional facilities. They’re much different from down here and I’ve always wanted to experience this as an athlete,” he added.

After the three-day festival, Phillip was also approached by members of the New Zealand and Australian national track cycling team to come train with them back in their home-land. However, Phillip chose Forstemann’s offer above the rest.

During their time in Germany, it is expected that Phillip will return to his strict training regime after almost eight months of rest from the professional circuit after the London Games. With the summer Grand Prix season, World Cups and World Championships later on this year, Phillip will be hoping to take advantage of this opportunity.