In a determined effort to rekindle and further elevate the sport of cycling in Trinidad and Tobago, this country’s Olympic Men’s Sprint fourth place, Njisane Phillip, is currently planning to host a major and historic international cycling meet come April 2013.
The young rider revealed yesterday, that he is still in the preparatory stages for this event, which is expected to boast a list of successful Olympians, world renowned athletes and calibre of local cycling icons.
Unofficially scheduled for April 19-21, racing is expected to pedal off at the Arima Velodrome, Skinner’s Park (San Fernando) and the Palo Seco Velodrome over the three-day period. Phillip has dubbed the event, the “Njisane Three-Day Cycling Festival” and is determined to host the inaugural event on an annual basis.
Seasoned global campaigners confirmed thus far are 2012 Olympic Men’s Sprint silver medallist Gregory Bauge of France, Malaysian cycling sensation and Olympian Josiah NG and one of New Zealand’s Olympic Team Sprint members, Ethan Mitchell.
The 21-year-old Siparia native also mentioned that a strong contingent of female Olympians will hopefully be on-hand to give their local counterparts some stiff competition on race-day. These global female riders have not yet confirmed their participation, but are already aware of the meet.
A detailed list of confirmed global competitors will be produced by Phillip within the coming weeks. All local riders are also invited to participate in this intriguing tourney.
The multiple national champion is very excited by this initiative and has also thrown his hat in to proudly represent the red, white and black at the event.
Phillip and his promotional team have approximated the overall cost of the meet to be $2.3 million. This cost is expected to cover the airline tickets, accommodation and other miscellaneous necessities for the comfortable hosting of these foreign riders.
The Beacon rider is kindly asking the Government and corporate TT to help offset some of these costs to make the meet more inclusive and to global standards.
“I’m just asking for some sponsors to come on board and help out financially for this historic meet. This is going to be a first for Trinidad and Tobago. To the hopeful (interested) major sponsors, we’re going to have special booths set up at every location for our gold package sponsors — where they can promote and educate everyone on their products and services. Similar to cricket in the Oval (Queen’s Park), I’d like to get a real show for this event,” he explained.
The 2012 Colorado Springs Sprint champion also declared that this event is destined to broaden the cultural and sport tourism image of TT. He has included in his programme of events a number of soca acts, rhythm sections and other locally-based cultural displays. These acts will be on show during and throughout the races at the three locations, all in an effort to boost this nation’s sport tourism and warmly welcome the visiting athletes.
“I want to openly ask the Government of Trinidad and Tobago to help us be as hospitable as we can to these foreign riders. After the three-day event, I’d really like to take them on a tour of Trinidad and Tobago. They would already be getting a taste of Trinidad at the event, but I’d really want them to visit Tobago. I want them to get the best of both worlds. This would do much for our sport tourism and for the visiting athletes. I’m really pushing for this, if we get one day at least in Tobago, that would be great,” he added.
Phillip concluded, “This is needed to boost the levels of cycling in this country. The hype has somewhat calmed down after the Olympics. I want to bring it back. Just like track and field, football and cricket, I’d like for cycling to be recognised as a major sport here.”
By Jonathan Ramnanansingh
Source: www.newsday.co.tt