Team Kenya cyclists to next month's Commonwealth Youth Games have expressed optimism about their chances at the August 4-11 event in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago.
Billy Graham and Daniel Kiptala have promised to do their best and bring Kenya glory from South America.
Kiptala is hopeful of getting on the podium as he makes his second appearance on the international front after making his debut at the African Junior Championships in Aswan, Egypt last year.
"I have trained for this event for quite some time and I feel very ready to tackle the challenge. I was unfortunate to get a puncture in the final stage in Aswan last year but I was still happy with my performance," said Kiptala, adding Aswan has motivated him to do better in Trinidad and Tobago.
"It feels great to get the chance to represent the country at this stage. My teammates and I will do our best to raise Kenya's flag high. It is good that we repay the support the federation and NOCK have offered."
Both cyclists perceive Individual Time Trials as the best opportunity to showcase their skills without any distractions and have promised to perform to their best level.
"The Individual Time Trial is the best for me since it provides the opportunity to showcase what I can do. It is just you and your power racing against time. I am fully focused and committed to giving my best," said Graham, who will be making his international debut.
"This is an honour for me to represent Kenya at this stage. I have trained rigorously and I will go there do my best and prove a point."
During the previous Commonwealth Youth Games in the Bahamas in 2017, Kenya topped the African rankings ahead of Ghana, Zimbabwe, Nigeria and Uganda.
The team's preparations have been further strengthened with the addition of two training partners, Boaz Kangogo and Brian Kipkemboi.
Kangogo is a prominent under-23 cyclist and recently completed a six-month training program in South Africa.
