T&T’s Phillip returns to US training base to prepare for World Cup

LOS ANGELES, USA, CMC – Trinidad and Tobago’s Olympic cyclist, Njisane Phillip returned to his home-base in Los Angeles, California, USA, and has revived his training regime with American coach Jamie Staff and former manager, Peter Maharaj.

Nisjane Phillip
Nisjane Phillip

Phillip and T&T endurance cyclist Varun Maharajh, will spend most of their time in LA preparing for the first leg of the International Cycling Union (UCI) World Cup season which pedals off at the National Cycling Centre in Manchester, England, from November 1-3.

Before his return to the US, Phillip endured two months of gruelling training under the tutelage of German coach, Emanuel Raasche.

TT rider, Kwesi Browne joined Phillip on the European trip, and is still in Germany training and attempting to amplify his overall competitive aura on the bike.

After arriving in the US about two months ago, Phillip and Maharajh contested several local meets and produced several podium performances. Now, with the World Cup just under just under four weeks away, Phillip has opted to realign himself with the same managerial team that coached him up to his Olympic campaign.

“Preparations have been going well for me so far. I’m happy to be back in LA working with the original camp. I’m more confident in myself and pleased,” he stated.

Phillip revealed that he has been working on his acceleration. Even though he recently bagged a couple gold and silver medals on the US circuit, Phillip is well aware that he must increase his overall athleticism, if he is to once make a lasting impression on the highly competitive world stage.

“I’m working on all my weak areas right now, acceleration especially. The reunion (with original team) is great, happy that we could make it work again and I’m definitely looking forward to the future. Jamie (Staff) knows me well and knows what works for me,” he added.