By Neto Baptiste
National junior cyclist, Tahje Browne, left the shores of Antigua and Barbuda on Sunday for Italy, where he will take up a one-month stint with professional cycling team Italia Nuova with hopes of gaining a professional contract on conclusion.
Organized by the Antigua and Barbuda Cycling Federation (ABCF) through one of it’s members, Tiziano Rossignoli, the stint presents the former Antigua Grammar School (AGS) student with an opportunity to hone his skills in a professional setting while possibly earning a living doing what he enjoys.
President of the Antigua and Barbuda Cycling Federation (ABCF), St Clair Williams, said the body is constantly looking for ways to elevate it’s members and welcomed the opportunity for young Browne.
“The communication between Italia Nuova which is a junior team over there in Italy, was made by one of our current cyclist, Mr Tiziano Rossignoli who has a lot of ties to Italy and we would have addressed the whole situation by discussing to have Tahje Browne go over and try out for the team. The expectations is for him to do well, to pass the tests they would put him through so he can stay on and we’re hoping he can continue to grow from there because all we need our cyclists to do is to get the opportunity to get to that next level,” he said.
Browne has been a dominant presence on he cycling scene so far this season with meets like the Avalanche Circuit Race, the ABCF Individual Time Trial and the Frank B Armstrong-sponsored Jenel Warner Race under his belt.
Williams believes Browne is ready for the challenge that awaits.
“I think Mr Browne is pretty much prepared; we were just tweaking to get into the National Championships that is supposed to take place on the 28th and the 29th of June. We’re not at the peak as yet because we still need to peak for the Caribbean Championships but I think he is well on the way at this point. He is prepared and willing to put in the hard work so we have no doubt that he will put forward his best foot and we look forward to some good results,” the cycling boss said.
The 17-year-old Browne is a member of the Wadadli Cycling Academy here in Antigua. He is the son of former national netballer, Chaka Grant Browne and Jason Browne.
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