Silver for Njisane at Pan Ams
Gary AcostaSaturday, July 18 2015
Njisane Phillip secured his second all-time Pan American Games medal with a Silver in the Men's Sprint on Saturday. The Siparia native got to the final after defeating Flavio Cipriano (BRA) in the Semi-Final to earn him a spot against Hugo Barrette of Canada.
Phillip, who previously trained alongside Barrette when both were based at the Stub Hub Center in Los Angeles lost the first ride of the matchup when Barrette, took the race from the front. Phillip tried to used the banking to rush over the strong Candian but just didn't have enough to come over.
In the second ride, Phillip recognising Barrette's strength decided to slow down the pace of the race and to carry the ride as short as possible. However, the Canadian also realised this plot and lept to the front with 2 laps remaining. What ensued was a drag race between two of the fastest men in the Western Hemisphere.
Phillip's Silver medal is absolutely welcomed after his difficult 2014 season where he battled serious health issues. With the Pan Am Championships closely approaching in September, all looks back on track once again.
Njisane is not yet completed his competition in the Pan Am Games as he is scheduled to line up in Heat #2 of the Men's Keirin tomorrow morning once again alongside Barrette, Baranoski (USA) and Botasso (ARG). The three cyclists will advance to the 1-6 Final while the 4th cyclist will advance to the 7-8 Final.
