Trinidad and Tobago held a successful campaign at the Elite Pan American Track Cycling Championships in Paraguay, culminating in four gold medals. Notably, Nicholas Paul achieved his third gold in the men’s 1km time trial. Michael Phillips lauded the cyclists’ performances and expressed a desire for more dynamic events to entice younger participants into the sport.
Michael Phillips, a former national cyclist and ex-president of the Trinidad and Tobago Cycling Federation, praised the outstanding performances of the local cyclists at the Elite Pan American Track Cycling Championships held in Paraguay. The nation secured four gold medals by the end of the event, culminating on April 6, 2023.
Sprint champion Nicholas Paul achieved his third gold medal in the men’s 1km time trial, demonstrating remarkable skill after previously winning both team sprint and individual sprint golds, along with a silver in the keirin. Paul showcased his prowess, qualifying second fastest at 59.669 seconds and finishing the final with a time of 59.729 seconds, thus claiming victory over Colombia’s Cristian Ortega.
Phillips, who himself has a legacy of medaling at various championships, noted the significance of the cyclists’ collective efforts, stating, “These cyclists continue to keep the flag flying high, particularly with the gold medals.”
Paul’s impressive titles included retaining his sprint championship on April 5, where he overcame Colombia’s Kevin Quintero. In addition to Paul, endurance cyclist Teniel Campbell earned a gold medal in the women’s points race.
Phillips expressed his pride in the achievements of the cyclists, particularly highlighting Teniel’s journey from a promising young athlete to a gold medalist. Phillips emphasized the importance of increasing cycling events to engage younger talent in the sport, suggesting that the quality of events should reflect the standards seen in the 1980s and early 90s in Trinidad and Tobago.
The article underscores Trinidad and Tobago’s remarkable achievements at the Pan American Track Cycling Championships, highlighted by Nicholas Paul’s outstanding performance, securing three gold medals. Michael Phillips commended the cyclists for their dedication and the need for improved cycling events to inspire youth participation. The nation continues to excel in cycling, particularly in sprint events, reinforcing its position on the international stage.
Original Source: newsday.co.tt
