World's top cyclists will meet in Springs before 2012 Olympics
Some of the best track cyclists in the world are coming to Colorado Springs this summer to compete just prior to flying to London for the Summer Olympics.
They'll race June 22-24 at the Colorado Springs velodrome in Memorial Park during the 2nd Annual ProCycling US Grand Prix of Sprinting.
See photos from the velodrome!
National teams that will be in Colorado Springs for this world-class event include: USA, Canada, Columbia, Germany, Mexico, Netherlands, Trinidad and Tobago, and Venezuela.
Virtually every track record was broken at the 2011 Grand Prix.
This year's competitors will be in top form as they tune their cycling skills toward winning six weeks later in London.
Learn more about the velodrome in Colorado Springs - including how YOU can ride there.
Track records, international points and prize money will all be on the line at the Grand Prix.
Olympic cycling teams have not announced their final rosters, but world record holders are expected to compete in Colorado.
Njisane Phillip (Trinidad and Tobago) was named the outstanding male cyclist of the 2011 US Grand Prix. He won the men's match sprint and men's keirin events. He also set the 200m track record by being the first rider to break the 10-second barrier at the Colorado Springs track.
"Njisane is coming back from an injury that prevented him from competing at the 2012 World Championships," said coach Desmond Dickie. "But we believe he will be close to top form by the time of the Grand Prix."
The German team boasts the 2012 World Cup champions and world record holders in both men's and women's Team Sprint events. The squad from Germany is expected to bring three current World Champions and is among the favorites for gold in London.
"Last summer we missed the ProCycling US Grand Prix by just days as we were in Colorado to prepare afterwards," said German Coach Detlef Uibel. "We are quite excited to be part of this year's event as it will work well with our final preparation for the Games."
