This is the first glimpse of the state-of-the-art racing bike Flora Duffy hopes will bring her success at this summer's Beijing Olympics.

The custom-made hot pink and aqua blue machine, designed especially for the talented triathlete, cost $5,500 and took designers between eight and ten weeks to build.

Greg Hopkins, co-owner of cycle shop Winner's Edge who are providing the bike free of charge, said the aerodynamic Trek Madone was Duffy's weapon of choice.

"Flora really likes the feel of Trek bikes," he said. "She had used a different make for a short time last season and didn't like it, so she is excited to be back on it.

"It was a psychological thing I suppose, but we can't stray from what she likes. We must keep consistent with things we do now as it's close to the Olympics.

"The bike is one of a kind. Trek went out of their way to make this bike to her liking. It's a custom paint job, on a light carbon fibre frame, which enables the rider the best chance of optimum performance.

"They even put her name on it. Those small things add to a rider's confidence."

Her father, Charlie Duffy, will transport the bike to the UK next week, where his 19-year-old daughter will get her first opportunity to put it through its paces.

"I will take the cycle to her on Tuesday," said Duffy. "From there she will get familiar with the bike and use it in her preparations for the Olympics.

"She has pretty much guaranteed herself a spot in the big show as she has reached all the requirements that the rules state must be met."

Flora, who is coming off a troubled sophomore season on the pro circuit, is preparing for the biggest challenge of her young career in the form of the Olympics. And Hopkins is adamant she has the mental toughness to succeed on the world stage.

"Flora had a very difficult second season, but she is tough mentally," he said. "She didn't let the ups and downs get her down, and her coach in England keeps her spirits high when she is getting down on herself.

"Most people would fold under pressure but Flora is a top athlete and knows there are going to be ups and downs.

"She handles the pressure very well."

Paget-born Duffy, who attends Kelly College in Devon, will go to a training camp in Italy soon to continue her preparations for the Olympics and is keeping active through a rigorous training regime.

"Triathlon is a multi-discipline sport so she often finds herself doing five-hour sessions daily, or spending a week on one discipline and the next week on another," added Hopkins.

"At the level Flora is at, it's a lifestyle. You must eat right, get adequate sleep, and really listen to your body and watch everything you do."

The triathlon events at the Olympics will be held from August 18-19.