Conor White is adamant that the Central American and Caribbean Games in El Salvador are another golden opportunity for Bermuda’s cyclists to underline their growing reputation in the region.

The 23-year-old is part of a three-rider contingent, alongside Kaden Hopkins and Caitlin Conyers, who are preparing to kick off their campaign in San Salvador with the time-trial on Wednesday. The road race takes place two days later.

Having been part of Bermuda teams that have punched well above their weight on the international stage in recent years, including at the Commonwealth Games, Caribbean Championships and PanAmerican Cycling Championships, White is confident they can enhance their status as one of the region’s shining lights in the sport.

“It’s a chance for us to show as a collective how dominant Bermuda can be within this region, particularly the time-trial,” said White.

“The time-trial will be my main goal and I’m sure for Kaden as well. I have no doubt we can both get ourselves on the podium. Hopefully the legs are good and we can start with a really strong ride in the time-trial.

“The road race is a little more difficult as we’re a small team of two, but we will do what we can.

“The numbers at CAC Games aren’t as big as some of the other international events and so it’s a chance for us to really look to perform well.

“It’s always special representing Bermuda at international events. We are close as a unit and it’s great to go away and compete together again.”

Those sentiments were echoed by Conyers, who heads into the Games in the form of her life this year after completing a sweep of national titles with victory in the Criterium Championships last weekend.

“I would love to go out there and win a medal,” said the 32-year-old. “I think I’m capable of getting on the podium, particularly in the time-trial.

“I’m trying to get better in the road races and be more confident in my ability and race in international events like I do at home in Bermuda, where I’m more aggressive and confident in myself.

“It’s awesome seeing how much we’ve improved as a collective and I love getting the chance to travel with the guys and have such a strong group.

“You want that morale and people supporting you in these type of events; it’s just awesome when we go away and compete together.”

As well as targeting individual and collective glory in Central America, Conyers also reflected on the greater significance of trying to be an inspiration for the island’s future generations to follow in their footsteps.

“It’s also great for the younger riders back at home that there is this group of riders to show them that it is possible and make it a reality for more Bermudian cyclists to come through and achieve in the future,” she said.

While optimism remains high among the team, they have been dealt a setback with the confirmation that Gabriella Arnold, who was due to join Conyers in both the time-trial and road race, will not be travelling to El Salvador after withdrawing from the Games.

The 27-year-old, who competes for LA Sweat in the United States, made the difficult decision to not travel, choosing instead to continue working her way back to full fitness after suffering with an injury sustained in a recent crash.

“Gabby is not coming to San Salvador. She made the decision a little bit after her recent crash,” said Peter Dunne, president of the Bermuda Bicycle Association.

“She knew that she would miss a block of training and would not be in form for this competition. We totally support her decision and we’re all glad that she is back on the bike to rebuild her season with LA Sweat.”