News

January 7th, 2008

Trinidad & Tobago National Champion Jersey Unveiled

Sakonnet Technology is proud to unveil a custom Sakonnet Trinidad & Tobago National Championship jersey for team rider Adam Alexander. Although the team has come close to winning both a U.S and Canadian National Championship on several occasions Adam’s Trinidad & Tobago National Championship win is the first National Championship for the program. To celebrate Adam’s accomplishment the team designed a custom jersey in the red/white/black colors of the Trinidad & Tobago flag.

The Trinidad & Tobago National Champion jersey has been regularly seen in the U.S domestic professional peleton on the back of Emile Abraham. Emile first brought the jersey to the U.S shores as a rider of AEG/Toshiba-Jet Networks (2006) and his repeat win in 2007 saw him flying the jersey on the Priority Health – Bissell Pro Cycling Team. Here’s a link of Emile winning last years Iron Hill Criterium.

January 5th, 2008

2008 Schedule Announced

The Team has announced its tentative schedule for 2008. The Team will be holding two training camps in January and February followed by a roll out of one day events in the spring featuring the Bear Mountain Spring Classic near the team’s home in New York City. In the mid summer a series of stage races are scheduled including a much anticipated return to the Nature Valley Grand Prix in Minnesota. In the late summer the team will be going for Gold and traveling out west for the U.S U23 & Elite National Championships in Orange County, CA. To round out the season a welcome return to fan friendly Souderton Pennsylvania and the Univest Grand Prix is on the schedule.

For the full schedule click here.

December 22nd, 2007

Q&A’S with Sakonnet Alumni David Wiswell

Editor: David you graduated to the pro ranks this time last year and joined Nerac.com for the 07 season; how would describe the differences of being a pro in the peleton versus being an amateur in the peleton?

DW: The differences between the professional and amateur ranks were very noticeable in some aspects but coming from a team like Sakonnet, the similarities were there as well. The pressure to perform at specific events while riding for Nerac was one of the big differences. Our sponsors were keen on us racing well at specific events and the expectations to win at those events tended to make for a more stressful day. You didn't want to let down to boss! I think there were very clearly defined roles for each race as well. Sakonnet, on the other hand, did a good job of targeting certain events and making sure everyone had a job for each race. It was a little looser than at Nerac but it made the transition less rocky.

Editor: We know that one of your goals was to race Philly week, what was that like?

DW: The atmosphere was great. Really high-end racing. The races would be full on and I just kept wondering who was at the front driving it. At the same time, it was an educational experience. You see how the European teams operate, how they ride, and this really helps give you an idea of what it takes to reach that level. As for my actual ride, though, I ended up coming down with a stomach bug. I made it about half the race before pulling out. It was frustrating but I tried my best to help the team while I could and it paid off with a great result by Chris Jones.

Editor: Was there one particular race that you did for the first time last season that you'd like to improve upon in the future?

DW: My best race memory from last year was the US Open Race in Richmond, VA. It was a well run race on a fantastic course. The finishing circuit with the little cobbled 'berg was great. It had a very European feel and the crowd just made it better. The course was rolling with a few power climbs on the finishing circuit. Hopefully with a couple more years of hard racing in the legs I can manage to be right up in the front at the race.

Editor: Most recently you've been in Europe racing on the track, how has that gone?

DW: The track racing in Europe has been going really well. Jackie Simes (my Madison partner) and I have managed a handful of podium results along with a couple of wins. It has been a very busy schedule. We have been racing in the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, and Switzerland. The majority of the events were between three and six days long so it is nice to be home right now taking a little break.

Editor: What are your plans for 08?

DW: I just recently signed a contract with a Belgian Professional team for next year. The team is Yawadoo-ADM-TV Vlaanderen. I am super excited about the opportunity. I will be starting to season at the end of February but I need to get over there early for a team training camp as well a team presentations. The schedule mainly consists of good UCI races and professional kermesses. It is a bit daunting but the past few years have really helped me build towards this objective. Now it is just a question of seeing what I can do with this opportunity!

Editor: Good luck David, we’ll be rooting for you!