Nicole Mitchell will be looking to extend her remarkable medal-winning streak at the Elite Caribbean Cycling Championships, which commence today in Martinique.

The championships have proven to be happy hunting ground for the Bermudian cyclist, who has stood on the podium in each of her four previous appearances at the event.

She won bronze medals in the time-trial and road race in Guadeloupe in 2010, silver in the time-trial and another bronze in the road race in 2012 in Antigua, as well as a pair of bronze medals in the time-trial and road race a year later in Curaçao.

As well as trying to keep her medal streak alive, there is added incentive for Mitchell as the event is also a qualifier for next year’s Central American and Caribbean Games in Colombia.

“To qualify for a spot one has to finish in the top four in the road race or top two in the time trial,” Mitchell, who is competing in both disciplines, explained. “I would like to try and obtain one of these spots. I am confident that I have trained hard and prepared well, now just need to relax and let my legs do what they know how to do.

”The level of competition is tough to predict. I haven’t been to the Caribbean Cycling Championships in a few years. There will likely be new athletes that I haven’t raced against before.”

Also representing Bermuda at the championships is the island’s top male cyclist, Dominique Mayho, who is competing in tomorrow’s road race.

“The road race is my target, as always, and I’m looking forward to racing this weekend,” he said. “I want to get a top ten and, if I play my cards right, I’m confident I could. It’s just more challenging doing so as a solo rider.

“I haven’t had the best preparation for it. I’ve had some knee problems leading up to it, but now I’m fine. My form is coming good, so I’ll be ready for Sunday.”

The top six finishers in the men’s road race will qualify for next year’s CAC Games.

Mitchell and Mayho are being accompanied by Peter Dunne, the Bermuda Bicycle Association president, who stressed the importance of what is at stake in Martinique.

“This competition is important for us as it is the pathway to qualify for the Central American & Caribbean Games, which will be held in Columbia next year,” he said.

“The added attraction for CAC Games is that it will be held at sea level, which is much more favourable to our athletes, who don’t get to live and train at altitude.”

Bermuda have an excellent track record at the Elite Caribbean Cycling Championships, with the likes of multiple women’s world triathlon champion Flora Duffy, Kris Hedges, Deanna McMullen, Lynn Patchett, Melanie Claude, Zoenique Williams and Mitchell having claimed medals.

“We have a history of being on the podium at this event and we hope to continue that tradition this weekend,” Dunne added.