TT riders impress at Grand Prix

Quincy Alexander started it off just right for the red, white and black when he clinched an exciting Men’s Keirin Final.

With less than 100 metres to go Alexander, along with team captian Njisane Phillip, Hersony Canelon (Venezuela), Thireef Smart (Team Breakaway) and Dominic Suozzi (United States) were all alongside each other at top speed sprinting to the finish line.

Alexander was adjudged the winner in front of a roaring crowd as it took a photo finish to split the remaining four as Phillip got silver and Canelon held off Smart for the bronze.

During an interview with Newsday, Phillip expressed the faith he has in his team’s ability to endure and execute, at the right time, during the Grand Prix.

Philip stated, “Right now I think we have a really strong and young team in the competition and I believe Trinidad and Tobago will continue to have a great showing, heading into the final day, in both the Sprint and Endurance events.” He encouraged his teammates to channel their recent form from the local competitions and adding to their performances thus far by shifting one gear up as they battle their international competition at the National Cycling Centre, Couva.

Phillip emphasised, “Our young riders have a lot of confidence and once they continue executing their rides, in a similar manner to what they have been producing over the last couple of events and races, I think the team would do really well. Sometimes we have to step it up a notch to successfully compete against the international competition and secure the victories as all our athletes, and by extension the team, have the ability and depth within to generate positive results.” TT’s Teniel Campbell once again showed her mettle after bouncing back from placing third in the Elite and International Women 2 Lap, to win the Unknown Distance, Elimination and 12 Lap events. For displaying fine cycling form and her consistent podium finishes, Campbell was named the Most Outstanding International Lady Cyclist for the Grand Prix.

Starlet, Jabari Whiteman (TT) was edged out by Javier Aguero (Venezuela) in the International Men’s Unknown distance race but managed to gain enough points to be named the Most Outstanding International Male Cyclist for the Grand Prix, a huge feat for the debutant junior cyclist.

In the UCI Scratch Event, Akil Campbell (PSL) timed his jump to perfection with just about 200m remaining as he led out the sprint for the hosts. Campbell’s jump proved too strong as he rode away with the win as Daniel Holloway from the USA claimed second and the young junior cyclist, Lorenzo Orosco, grabbing bronze for TT.

Rigtech Sonics CC won the title for Most Outstanding Club, narrowly defeating Arima Wheelers CC by eight points with newcomers Open Road Challenge Accepted placing third on the overall standings.

The third and final day of Grand Prix’ culminates with the grand finale today at the National Cycling Centre with two sessions from 10 am and 5 pm.

Admission for the morning session is FREE for all patrons while the 5 pm session is $50 for adults and $10 for kids under 12.

All senior citizens, 65 years and over, are also free with their ID during the morning session.