TRINIDAD AND Tobago’s Junior Pan American cyclists are expected to return home today after equalling this nation’s highest medal tally with four at the aforementioned meet which pedalled to a stop in Aguascalientes, Mexico yesterday.
Kollyn St George’s back-to-back victories in the Women’s 500-metre Time Trial and Team Sprint (with Keiana Lester) was further bolstered by Tyler Cole’s historic bronze achievement in the Men’s Omnium and Sei Daniel’s third place finish in the Men’s Keirin.
The returning outfit also comprises of Kollyn’s sister Jhordan, Chaquille Henry, Akim Constantine, Ramon Belmontes, Nicholas Paul and Teneil Campbell, who also played instrumental roles in racking up two new Pan American records in the Junior Women Team Sprint and 500m Time Trial, eight new national records and 14 personal best times.
Also, Cole’s bronze medal finish saw Team TT earn its first ever endurance medal at a Pan American Championships.
This year, the 10-member team was made up of eight regional debutants who have all proven that they are presently on the right track towards their professional development. The Junior Pan Ams however, did also serve as a measuring stick for the TT unit as they now shift focus towards the 2015 National Track Cycling Championships which rides off at the Arima Velodrome from May 1-4 (for Elite and Juniors) and May 8-10 (Masters).
For the first time in national cycling history, this year’s ‘Nationals’ for Elite and Juniors has been sanctioned by the UCI (International Cycling Union) and thus cyclists will receive valuable UCI points towards their overall UCI ranking, which will reflect on their World Cup and Olympic qualification.
Additionally, the National Championships will also serves as qualifiers for the Pan Am Games in July, Elite Pan Am Championships in September and the inaugural Caribbean Track Championships in May.
Admission to ‘Nationals’ is free.