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National Champion Headlines American Squad for Southern Games

Reigning USA Sprint and Keirin Champion Captains Invigorated American Composite Team Set on Success at Guaracara Park.

Trexlertown, Penn. March 23, 2009 - Jimmy Watkins, the 2008 USA National Champion in the Match Sprint, Keirin, and Team Sprint, leads one of the strongest American teams in years at the Southern Games scheduled for March 26-29 at Guaracara Park in Trinidad and Tobago. Accompanying Watkins are two endurance specialists, Dutch-born professional road cyclist, Bennet van der Genugten (Kenda Pro Cycling presented by Synergy), and Michael Norton, a professional riding for the Canadian-based Caylon/CA Pro Cycling Team, from New York.

"Competing in the Southern Games will be a highlight of my competitive season.  I have heard nothing but rave reviews about the racing and the people of Trinidad and Tobago, and I am the envy of all of my team mates back home who are still struggling against the snow and ice of late winter," said Bennet Van Der Genugten via email while training in Atlanta, Georgia for the upcoming American racing season.

A road racing specialist with strong results on the track, van der Genugten also stated that, "I have spent the last few days in Atlanta preparing specifically behind the motorcycle on the track to adapt my leg speed so that I can be competitive enough to win or help my teammates win in every possible scenario.  My fitness is excellent, my confidence is high coming into the Southern Games, and I am eager to fly down!"

Revived nine years ago from a period of dormancy, the Southern Games is a highly anticipated multisport event similar to the track carnivals held each December in Tasmania. Riders from Australia, Germany, Canada, Jamaica, Venezuela, and other Caribbean countries are scheduled to compete at the event held on the venerable grounds of Guaracara Park in Pointe-a-Pierre, Trinidad and Tobago.

Jimmy Watkins, coming off the best season of his young career in which he won three sprint titles at the 2008 USA National Track Cycling Championships, recently set sea-level personal bests in the 200m and 1000m time trials during testing in early March at the ADT Event Center in Los Angeles. Speaking from his home in Southern California, Watkins said, "I am genuinely happy with my form right now, in fact a little surprised, and I look forward to starting my 2009 international season at the Southern Games in Trinidad and Tobago."

Watkins added, "From what I've heard about the Southern Games and to the quality of competition, particularly the Trinidad riders, I plan to attack this event as I would any major international competition-at full tilt." Watkins looks to defend his national titles later this season at the USA National Championships at the ADT Center in Los Angeles with his sights further set on UCI World Cup competition in 2009/2010 and focused long term on the London Olympiad in 2012.

Having raced the Beacon "West Indies vs. the World" series in 2008, Michael Norton, a former wearer of the Sprint Jersey at the Fitchburg-Longsjo Classic, said, "I am very excited to return for a second time to compete in Trinidad and Tobago.  From my past experiences, I really enjoy the competitive spirit of the Trinidad and Tobago national team."

Playing off of the support of the boisterous local crowds, Norton added, "I was also amazed with how 'T&T' as a country get involved and behind their sporting events.  The crowds where huge and we were treated wonderfully with great support and accommodations.  I am excited to test my form against these great competitors."

European six-day rider, Jackie Simes IV, son of U.S. Bicycling Hall of Fame Inductee Jack Simes III, was originally scheduled to compete with the American composite squad, but was recently forced to withdraw due to sickness. Team organizers are now exploring replacement options for a fourth rider.