VIENTIANE, March 16 (Xinhua) -- Two Lao cyclists are quietly confident of performing well at the Asian Games to be hosted in Indonesia this August, local daily Vientiane Times reported on Friday.
Ariya Phounsavath and Thavone Phon-asa will compete in the Men's 100 kilometers team time trial and another event over 40km. Ariya has competed professionally for some time with a cycling team in Thailand and is hoping his experience will put him in a good position going into the Asian Games. Meanwhile, teammate Thavone is training in Lao capital Vientiane.
Lao Cycling Federation Secretary, Latsamy Soondala recognises there could be more than two cycling events at the Asian Games in Indonesia, but the sport's local governing body is unable to financially take a crack at multiple events.
"In each cycling event they use different bicycles and specialised equipment and that would require a much bigger budget, so we are concentrating on just the two longer distances," he said.
After returning from the Games in Indonesia, Ariya and Thavone will have an opportunity to compete at the 11th National Games of Laos this October with 11 cycling gold medals up for grabs.
