“Hard work and a desire to push themselves to their physical limits” proved to be the key to success for local cyclists Daniel Oatley and Gabriella Arnold who won gold medals at last weekend’s Caribbean Junior Championships in the Dominican Republic.Oatley won the gold medal in the boys 15-16 time trial to cap a memorable debut at the regional championships while Arnold won the gold medal in the girls 15-18 road race.Arnold’s success followed on the heels of her double bronze medal winning display in the time trial and road race at last year’s championships in Puerto Rico.“The medals won by Daniel and Gabby are the result of the hard work they put into their training and their willingness to push themselves in competition,“ commented Bermuda Bicycle Association president Peter Dunne, who accompanied Bermuda’s eight-strong team to the Caribbean.“Another Caribbean Junior Championships is finished and it has been a strong learning experience for everyone on the team.”Dunne said the Island’s male riders who competed in two separate age groups made a good account of themselves.“Looking at the two boys categories, our guys are certainly fit enough to compete at this level,” he added. “We had a few tough mechanical issues which derailed Daelan (Richardson), Vashon (Cann) and Deshi (Smith) but they were right in the mix when these things occurred.“One thing we will want to work on for the rest of the local season and into 2013 is race tactics and how to take more advantage of the developments of a race. But knowing that the team is physically prepared gives us confidence to build on that base.”Dunne hopes Bermuda’s cyclists can continue on in the same vein at next year’s event.“Looking ahead to next year we should again be able to field a strong team as all but Vashon Cann will be eligible plus there are Justin Ferreira and Molly Pilgrim who were selected but unable to attend, and several other riders who are on the cusp of making this standard,” he said.“We are well positioned to continue our strong results in cycling.”Ferreira and Pilgrim were both ruled out of this year’s championships through injury.Bermuda’s team were due to return home last night.