Nicole Mitchell and Dominique Mayho both believe that how they cope with the high altitude will be a key factor when they compete at the Pan American Continental Championships in Mexico next week.

The pair, who are hoping to represent Bermuda at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow this summer, admit that the city of Puebla, which is more than 7,000 feet above sea level, will provide a stern test for them.

Mitchell, who won the women’s category in the Butterfield Bermuda Grand Prix, said: “I think one of the biggest factors, apart from the level of competition, is that the Championships are held in Puebla at over 7,000 feet of elevation.

“Coming from sea level, I’m sure we will be feeling the effects of the altitude as the week and competition progresses.”

Mitchell, 30, will compete in the women’s category, which includes a 18K time-trial and 88.8K road race, while Mayho will participate in the under-23 division with a 30K time-trial and a 148K road race.

“The weekend’s performances were a confidence boost heading into the Championships,” Mitchell said.

“My expectations heading into the Championships are to gain experience racing against that calibre of field in preparation for the Commonwealth Games.

“The Championships are a level above the Caribbean Championships with several of the top riders from the United States and Canada taking part. It will be important for me keep my nerves and stress levels in check.”

Mayho, who did not compete in the Grand Prix, will be hoping to overcome a niggling groin injury that he sustained while training overseas last week.

“I need to work on my climbing [in Mexico],” Mayho said. “My goal next week is to finish in the main group and hopefully sprint for a good position.

“I’ve had the flu and also injured my groin, so I haven’t been training as much as I’d like. The groin feels better, but it still hurts a bit.

“I’m using the Championships to gain experience leading into the Commonwealth Games, especially in learning how to deal with the pressure of such a big event.”

Mitchell, Mayho and Peter Dunne, the Bermuda Bicycle Association president, head to Mexico on May 6. The competition starts two days later.

Dunne said: “While a major competition, their goal next week is more experiential than results oriented.

“At this point in their schedule everything is a step towards the Commonwealth Games.”

Both riders’ names have been sent to the Bermuda Olympic Association’s for consideration to compete at the Commonwealth Games.

“These are the conditions [the riders] will face in Glasgow, so it is important that they learn how to cope with it, both in terms of competition and pressure,” Dunne added.