Nicholas Paul won his third gold medal at the Elite Pan American Track Cycling Championships, contributing to Trinidad and Tobago’s impressive four gold medal total. Michael Phillips praised the athletes’ performances, emphasizing the continued strength of cycling in the country and the need for dynamic events to inspire youth participation in the sport.
At the Elite Pan American Track Cycling Championships in Paraguay, the Trinidad and Tobago cycling team delivered an exceptional performance, culminating in a total of four gold medals by the final day, April 6. Former cycling champion and TTCF president, Michael Phillips, expressed pride in the athletes’ achievements, emphasizing the strength and talent within the cycling community.
Nicholas Paul further distinguished himself by securing his third gold medal of the championships in the men’s 1km time trial, displaying remarkable prowess on the bike. Already holder of gold medals in the team sprint and individual sprint races, alongside a silver in the keirin, Paul sought to expand his medal collection on the concluding day of competition.
Paul showcased his speed during the time trial, qualifying for the final with the second-fastest time, following Colombia’s Cristian Ortega. In the final heat, Paul triumphed, clocking 59.729 seconds, overtaking Ortega, who finished with a time of 1:00.372. Canadian cyclists James Hedgcock and Ryan Dodyk secured third and fourth places, respectively.
Phillips acknowledged the significance of these victories, highlighting the cyclists’ commitment to elevating Trinidad and Tobago’s profile in international cycling competitions. He noted, “These cyclists continue to keep the flag flying high, particularly with the gold medals. The times were also very good times.”
On previous days of competition, Paul retained his sprint title by besting Colombia’s Kevin Quintero, while Teniel Campbell achieved gold in the women’s points race. Campbell also earned a bronze medal in the women’s elimination, demonstrating her consistency.
Phillips applauded the development of the Trinidad and Tobago cyclists, remarking on the importance of nurturing young talent. “I’m really happy for Teniel. Seeing all of these cyclists from kids going up through the ranks…it’s something else to see them grow up and be as successful as they are right now.”
He expressed a desire for the expansion of inspiring and competitive cycling events to engage younger generations and mirror the high standards of earlier decades. Phillips firmly believes that fostering a vibrant cycling scene will encourage more youth to participate in the sport.
The Trinidad and Tobago cycling team significantly impacted the Elite Pan American Track Cycling Championships, achieving an impressive tally of four gold medals, highlighted by Nicholas Paul’s outstanding performances. The contributions of all cyclists, praised by Michael Phillips, reflect the nation’s cycling strength on the world stage. Looking forward, there is a collective aspiration to nurture the next generation of cyclists and enhance local competitive events.
Original Source: newsday.co.tt
