International Grand Prix win for Kayleigh Brogan

Posted: 18 May 2011
Article & Photos by: James Brogan

An outstanding performance in the Trinidad and Tobago International Grand Prix ensured that It was indeeed a happy Easter for City of Edinburgh Racing Club's Kayleigh Brogan. Kayleigh who made the switch from Sprinting to Track Endurance racing in April this year made a great start to her season when she claimed victory in the Trinidad and Tobago international Grand Prix at the Island's Arima Velodrome on 24th April.

Kayleigh who was flying the flag for Scotland along with Team mate Emma Baird was up against some stiff opposition from eleven other experienced senior female riders from as far afield as Austria, United states of America, Colombia and a number of other Pan American countries. The Grand Prix comprised of a three day omnium style event with points awarded over fifteen races in total.

There was also a seperate Sprint competition. Right from the first gun Kayleigh showed some excellent early season form that took her to the Omnium podium in all but two of the events claiming wins in no less than seven races. She claimed overall victory and the International Women's Championship trophy by taking first place in a nail biting final race against nearest competitor Shelby Reynolds (USA) in what was a highly entertaining and close fought battle that had the large crowd on it's feet throughout.

Also in the 200m sprint time trial, Emma Baird raced to victory with an overall time of 13.6 seconds with Kayleigh taking second with a respectable time of 13.62 seconds.

Omnium Result

1st Kayleigh Brogan , Scotland

2nd Shelby Reynolds, USA

3rd Paula Ossa, Colombia

Both Kayleigh and Emma also featured in the seperate Sprint Competition with Kayleigh taking the silver medal after a photo finish on the deciding third sprint against Colombia's Paula Ossa. Emma narrowly missed the podium after a 2-nil defeat in the Bronze ride off by a Trinidad rider.

Sprint Competition Result

1st Paula Ossa, Colombia

2nd Kayleigh Brogan, Scotland

3rd Jodie Goodridge, Trinidad and Tobago

The pair finished their racing by competing in the Trinidad Beacon Festival International Criterium, a city centre event held under the streetlights of the town of Savvanah. The Festival which attracts professional and top amateur riders from all over the world was viewed by a crowd of around 20,000 spectators and boasts its own mini carnival. it was in this spectacular setting that Brogan managed to 'put the icing on the cake' by sprinting well clear from the bunch to claim another well worked victory in the womens race. Baird came home thereafter to cross the line in third place behind Ossa.

Beacon Festival Crit Result.

1st Kayleigh Brogan, Scotland

2nd Paula Ossa, Colombia

3rd Emma Baird, Scotland

Kayleigh said 'The whole experience has been a fantastic development opportunity for us both. The racing was excellent and we were pushed hard all the way. It suited me and I responded well. I feel that I've learned a lot from the racing and from the guidance and tactical advice of Peter Jacques our manager for the events, so a big thanks goes to him''

Kayleigh Brogan with International womens Championship Trophy

Second Shelby Reynolds USA / Winner Kayleigh Brogan / Third Paula Ossa Colombia