Nicholas Paul in action.
File
Trinidad and Tobago’s ace cyclist Nicholas Paul delivered an impressive performance at the second leg of the UCI Track Champions League, securing a second-place finish in the men’s sprint final at the Omnisport Apeldoorn in the Netherlands on Friday.
Paul’s journey to the final was marked by a brilliant semi-final victory, where he stunned then-sprint leader Australian Matthew Richardson, who had amassed 64 points.
However, in the final, Paul faced Dutch Olympic champion Harrie Lavreysen, who was racing before his home crowd.
Lavreysen delivered a dominant performance, taking control from start to finish to claim victory and ascend to the top of the leaderboard with 71 points, while Paul’s second-place finish boosted his overall tally to 58 points, maintaining his third position in the standings.
Paul’s semi-final ride showcased his tactical acumen and explosive power. He caught his competitors off guard with an early move, creating a significant gap and maintaining his composure to secure a commanding win.
Paul also earned a podium spot in the keirin event, finishing third behind winner Cristian Ortega of Colombia and Lavreysen, who settled for second in a thrilling final.
This performance builds on Paul’s results from the first leg of the Champions League in France last week, where he finished third in the sprint and fifth in the keirin.
The competition continues on Saturday for the third round, where Paul will aim to climb further up the leaderboard and improve his impressive form against the world’s best cyclists.
Serrette defeats Comissiong to regain NAAATT presidency
Track and field administrator Ephraim Serrette returned to the helm of the National Association of Athletics Administration (NAAATT) on November 30 with a comprehensive win over incumbent George Comissiong at the Annual General Meeting, at Five Rivers Secondary School, Arouca.
Serrette, who had served as the NAAA president from 2007-2021 before exiting to take up a role as advisor to Minister of Sport and Community Development Shamfa Cudjoe-Lewis, defeated Comissiong by a 56-21 margin.
Paul Voisin and Dexter Voisin were elected unopposed as first vice-president and assistant secretary, respectively.
Michelle Stoute defeated Jozette McLean 57-20 to win the role of second vice-president while former World 400-metre hurdles champion Jehue Gordon won the role of general secretary with a 57-20 victory over Eileen Blackman.
The role of treasurer went to Davina Washington 56-18 over Marlene Roopchansingh Williams.
The directors include Cuquie Melville, Michelle Pennie, Kelsey Toussaint Reid, Donelle Stafford, Sherwin Joseph, Enrico Camejo, Sheldon Mason, Kelvin Nancoo and Samuel Jason Roach.
The NAAA executive will serve a four-year term.
‘Innocent until proven otherwise’: Gateway Athletics take soft stance in Director's arrest on gun-trafficking charge
Gateway Athletics International has issued a statement expressing confidence in the innocence of its managing director, Shem Alexander, who was arrested in Jamaica on allegations of gun and ammunition trafficking from the United States to Trinidad and Tobago.
Alexander, a well-known figure in Trinidad and Tobago football circles with coaching experience in the T&T Premier Football League (TTPFL) for MIC Matura ReUnited, was detained on November 15 at Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston. His arrest followed an extradition request by United States authorities.
On November 30, the Jamaica Observer reported that Alexander appeared in a Corporate Area court, where he provided written consent to be extradited to the United States to face trial.
Gateway Athletics addressed the situation in a November 30 statement, revealing that Alexander had stepped aside from his duties to address the allegations.
"Mr Alexander has taken a voluntary leave of (absence) as the managing director at Gateway Athletics in order to focus on treating the allegations before him. Mr Alexander has maintained his innocence in all of the allegations levelled against him and is eager to fully ventilate the issue in the right forum when the time is appropriate,” the statement said.
The organization emphasized the principle of presumed innocence.
“The same natural justice that applies to all also applies to Mr Alexander, that is, the presumption of innocence until proven otherwise. There is no further information we can give at this time, but we will update as necessary as information becomes available,” the statement added.
Alexander has been a significant contributor to Trinidad and Tobago's football development. He previously managed St Augustine Secondary's football program and has played a key role in shaping youth football through his leadership at Gateway Athletics.
Under his stewardship, Gateway has overseen the last three editions of the Republic Cup National Youth Football League, one of the nation's most prestigious youth tournaments.
Additionally, Gateway has facilitated showcase events through the Republic Cup, giving young footballers an opportunity to perform before college coaches and scouts from abroad with the goal of earning scholarships.
Magnificent Matthews leads Melbourne Renegades Women to maiden WBBL title
Hayley Matthews provided the latest example of her exploits as a big game player when she played a starring role to help the Melbourne Renegades Women defeat the Brisbane Heat Women by seven runs via the DLS method in the final of the 2024 Women’s Big Bash League at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Sunday.
Matthews first made a crucial 61-ball 69 at the top of the innings as the Renegades posted 141-9 from their 20 overs after being put in to bat by the Heat.
Her innings included eight fours and was crucial as the Heat bowlers were picking up wickets in quick succession at the other end.
In fact, the only other Renegades batters to reach double figures were Georgia Wareham with 21 and Naomi Stalenberg with 16.
Charli Knott and Grace Parsons were the main threats with the ball with 3-28 and 2-29, respectively.
The Heat, after a rain delay during their reply, were set a revised target of 98 off 12 overs.
Despite the best efforts of captain Jess Jonassen who made 44* off 28 balls, the Heat fell just short of their target, reaching 90-6 off 12 overs.
Matthews led the way with 2-24 from her maximum three overs and was named player of the match.
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