Two young Bermudian triathletes, Dylan Eiselt and Jasper Lau, are in Puerto Rico for the World Triathlon Development Regional Cup Salinas, taking place tomorrow morning.

Lau and Eiselt, who are seeking to represent the island at the Youth Olympics in Senegal later this year, are part of a field of 29 for the elite male race. Their results in the race form part of what the Bermuda Olympic Association will use to decide the island’s representatives once information becomes available on the slots allocation for the Games.

Eiselt headed to Puerto Rico days after his taking part in the Clermont Draft Legal last weekend, where he indicated that he picked up some valuable lessons.

“I learnt a lot in Clermont,” Eiselt told The Royal Gazette.

“I’m going to use those lessons in Puerto Rico to improve my times on the swim, bike and run, the way I race in general and my overall finishing time.

“I learnt more about my transitions and what I have to do on the run to feel better with my breathing and the same on the swim and the bike.

“I also went into that race with only about three to four run sessions in the past six weeks.”

Eiselt, who views the bike as his strongest discipline, added: “I was able to run a very, very good time, so my expectations for Puerto Rico would be to have a very good swim because that’s what I’ve been training [for] a lot.”

Lau expressed his excitement about his maiden competition as an elite junior triathlete.

“It’s amazing to be competing in Puerto Rico for my first World Triathlon race,” the 15-year-old said.

“Honestly, I’m just grateful for the chance to line up against some of the best athletes in the region.

“I know the competition is going to be fast, but I’m just focused on my own race and putting in the best effort I possibly can.

“I’ve done the work, so now I’m just looking forward to getting out there and seeing what I can do.”

Richard Lau, who is coaching the budding athletes, views the race as a chance for the two to measure their progression.

“I am excited for Jasper and Dylan as they prepare to compete in their first World Triathlon race,” the coach said.

“This is a great opportunity for them to test their progress against a fast, competitive field of elite athletes from across the region.

“Both have trained with a high level of discipline and remained focused on this goal for some time. Jasper and Dylan are excellent examples of young men who recognise the demands of balancing elite training alongside their academic commitments.

“We are also grateful for the support of the Bermuda Triathlon Association, whose commitment to youth development over the years makes these milestones possible.”