TT cyclists resume World Cup challenge

NJISANE Phillip, Nicholas Paul, Kwesi Browne will start their quest for a place at the UCI Track Cycling World Championship today, when they line up in heat five of the men’s team sprint qualifying round at the UCI Track Cycling World Cup VI in Hong Kong.

The final qualifying event for the World Championships started on Monday and will conclude on Tuesday. The national cyclists are also set to challenge in the men’s keirin and sprint events. Keron Bramble, a reliable reserve, is with the team. The local riders are within reach of qualifying for the World Championships, given their accumulation of points throughout the World Cup series. There was some uncertainty surrounding the team’s stay in Hong Kong, however, the Ministry of Sport issued a press release yesterday announcing the disbursement of $364,724 to the TT Cycling Federation, specifically to aid the team during their stay in Hong Kong. The TTCF, represented by its secretary Jacqueline Corbin, received the funds, which according to the release was the entire sum requested by the federation. In the media release, Sports Minister Shamfa Cudjoe expressed confidence in national cycling and said she believes the team will not only qualify but medal at the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo. She also “reassured the TTCF of Government’s commitment to provide the necessary support to our athletes.”Former US cyclist and current Sports Company of TT technical director for cycling Erin Hartwell is both team manager and coach for the TT riders in Hong Kong. The 2019 UCI Track Cycling World Championships will be held in Pruszków, Poland from February 27 to March 3.