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RAYONG PROVINCE, Thailand: For the first time in more than 40 years, Thailand will be represented by a cyclist at the upcoming Beijing Summer Olympics.
24-year-old Chanpeng Nonthasin has been chosen to go to the Games after the International Cycling Union gave Thailand one berth for a female cyclist.
Chanpeng, who took silver in this year's Asian Championship, was the clear choice to receive the allocation, said Thai cycling officials.
However, the road race event could literally be an uphill battle for Chanpeng. She has been trying to shed 2 kilogrammes to make herself lighter for the 130-kilometre course around Beijing, which features a gruelling 11-kilometre climb.
"I will be happy with just completing the race and I don't think I'm going to be upset if I don't win. I will certainly try my best, and no matter what the result is, I'll have no regrets. But it would be a blow if I feel that I didn't give it my best shot," she said.
Her coach, Sanae Laosakchai, said Chanpeng is incredibly dedicated. However, he added that because they only knew she would be competing a month ago, there has been little time for her to train.
"We found out just four weeks ago, so we've had to prepare intensively. There's also a risk that the athlete may get injured in training. It really helps with strengthening, but it is also very easy to get hurt," he said.
Coach Sanae is mostly concerned about Beijing's air quality and said he is prepared with anti-allergy medicine, but masks are just not feasible for training cyclists.
- CNA/so
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