CYCLING : Halpern Struggles in Junior World Trials but Earns a Berth in U.S. Olympic Festival

Cyclist Derryl Halpern of Northridge is one of 25 juniors to qualify for the U.S. Olympic Festival in Raleigh, N.C., July 15-20. He qualified at this week’s Junior World Finals Trials at the Olympic training center in Colorado Springs, Colo.

Halpern failed to earn one of 10 qualifying spots for the Junior World Championships in Bergamo, Italy, in July. The Granada Hills High student had qualified for his first trip to the Junior World Trials by earning one of five berths from the largest region in the United States Cycling Federation.

According to Coach Steve Ball, Halpern “didn’t do well” in three time trials at the Junior World Trials. Halpern did not finish a 70-mile road race Monday after crashing at the outset. He was 14th in a field of 64 riders Saturday, his best finish in the 10-day competition.

“He knew it was a long shot to make the world championships,” Ball said. “We were hoping for a little better, but the competition is very tough. He’s happy to be going to the Olympic Festival.”

After working with Halpern for several days in Colorado Springs, USCF national junior Coach Craig Campbell said he did not expect him to qualify for the World Junior Championships.

Halpern plans to compete in the USCF nationals in track racing in Allentown, Pa., beginning Tuesday. He will return to Colorado in July for the USCF time trials before competing in the Olympic Festival.