Photo Finish: Meet Nicolas Philippon

“Pon Pon,” as he is fondly called, is no stranger to cycling in Cameroon. Nicolas Philippon, expert in photo finish, the 47 year old has become a household name in Cameroonian cycling; think the International Cycling Tour of Cameroon, the Grand Prix Chantal Biya and, most recently, the Chantal Biya International Mountain Bike Race. His role is crucial: the credibility of any cycling race depends on the accuracy of its results. Philippon has clearly lived up to expectations through many years as the photo finish operator for several international cycling competitions in Cameroon, earning respect from riders, officials and fans alike. When cyclists begin arriving at the finish line, Philippon becomes the centre of attention. All eyes are fixed on his photo finish tent positioned at the arrival line. The suspense is real, but what is striking is how qui...