Reigning USA Sprint and
Keirin Champion Captains Invigorated American Composite Team Set on Success at
Guaracara Park.
(Trexlertown, PA) March 23,
2009 – Jimmy Watkins, the 2008 USA National Champion in the Match Sprint,
Keirin, and Team Sprint, leads one of the strongest American teams in years at
the Southern Games scheduled for March 26-29 at Guaracara Park in Trinidad and
Tobago. Accompanying Watkins in the US-based composite team are two endurance
specialists, Dutch-born professional road cyclist, Bennet van der Genugten
(Kenda Pro Cycling presented by Synergy), and Michael Norton, a professional
riding for the Canadian-based Caylon/CA Pro Cycling Team, from New York.
“Competing in the
Southern Games will be a highlight of my competitive season. I have heard
nothing but rave reviews about the racing and the people of Trinidad and
Tobago, and I am the envy of all of my team mates back home who are still
struggling against the snow and ice of late winter," said Bennet Van Der
Genugten via email while training in Atlanta, Georgia for the upcoming American
racing season.
A road racing specialist with
strong results on the track, van der Genugten also stated that, "I have
spent the last few days in Atlanta preparing specifically behind the motorcycle
on the track to adapt my leg speed so that I can be competitive enough to win
or help my teammates win in every possible scenario. My fitness is
excellent, my confidence is high coming into the Southern Games, and I am eager
to fly down!"
Revived nine years ago from a
period of dormancy, the Southern Games is a highly anticipated multisport event
similar to the track carnivals held each December in Tasmania. Riders from
Australia, Germany, Canada, Jamaica, Venezuela, and other Caribbean countries
are scheduled to compete at the event held on the venerable grounds of
Guaracara Park in Pointe-a-Pierre, Trinidad and Tobago.
Jimmy Watkins, coming off the
best season of his young career in which he won three sprint titles at the 2008
USA National Track Cycling Championships, recently set sea-level personal bests
in the 200m and 1000m time trials during testing in early March at the ADT
Event Center in Los Angeles. Speaking from his home in Southern California,
Watkins said, "I am genuinely happy with my form right now, in fact a
little surprised, and I look forward to starting my 2009 international season
at the Southern Games in Trinidad and Tobago."
Watkins added, "From
what I've heard about the Southern Games and to the quality of competition,
particularly the Trinidad riders, I plan to attack this event as I would any
major international competition—at full tilt." Watkins looks to
defend his national titles later this season at the USA National Championships
at the ADT Center in Los Angeles with his sights further set on UCI World Cup
competition in 2009/2010 and focused long term on the London Olympiad in
2012.
Having raced the Beacon
"West Indies vs. the World" series in 2008, Michael Norton, a former
wearer of the Sprint Jersey at the Fitchburg-Longsjo Classic, said, "I am
very excited to return for a second time to compete in Trinidad and
Tobago. From my past experiences, I really enjoy the competitive spirit
of the Trinidad and Tobago national team."
Playing off of the support of
the boisterous local crowds, Norton added, "I was also amazed with how
'T&T' as a country get involved and behind their sporting events. The
crowds where huge and we were treated wonderfully with great support and
accommodations. I am excited to test my form against these great
competitors."
European six-day rider,
Jackie Simes IV, son of U.S. Bicycling Hall of Fame Inductee Jack Simes III,
was originally scheduled to compete with the American composite squad, but was
recently forced to withdraw due to sickness. Team organizers are now exploring
replacement options for a fourth rider.
For additional information or
a sample copy, contact:
Erin Hartwell
Athletics Cubed, Inc.
PO Box 917 Trexlertown, PA
18087-0917
media@athleticscubed.com
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