National cycling coach Yafiz Jamaludin hopes that the national cyclists can keep a clear mind ahead of the team time trial event of the 27th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games today in Naypyidaw.
Reduan Yusop, Azmi @ Lokman Abd Hadzid, Ahmad Rifa'ie Hj Johor and Muhammad I'maadi Abd Aziz are the riders competing in the event which will begin at the Rose roundabout and end at Taung Kya village.
Yafiz highlighted dangerous conditions as the main concern for the 100-kilometre race.
"We have gone through the route already yesterday (Saturday) and it is very challenging. There are plenty of climbs and dangerous down hills," said Yafiz in an interview yesterday.
"I hope that riders will not have any negative thoughts about the situation. It is very dangerous as when we tried it out all riders actually fell down," he added.
"We, as well as other team managers, have complained to the organisers to change the route. However, we are sure that it is not going to happen," continued the Malaysian.
The national coach also picked out Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines as the favourites and didn't rule out Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam as strong contenders as well.
He believes that his charges have got what it takes to finish on the podium and hopes that everything will go smoothly for the race.
"All competitors have an equal chance of winning medals. Our team will be giving 110 per cent for the race," said Yafiz.
"The main target for us is the team events and we hope that we can get something out of them," he added.
"We got the chance to participate in the SEA Games and this is our opportunity to win medals. We do hope that the Bruneians keep us in their prayers," concluded the national cycling coach.
The team - all five riders with Muhammad Rafiuddin Zikara being the other - will then wrap things up at the biennial Games with the 163km road race on Wednesday.
