SINGAPORE nationale training Kenyans at Iten-based Kenya Riders Camp as rolled out school-based programme to train students become professional cyclers.

The Kenya Riders' manager Nicholas Leong yesterday gave out bicycles to five students from Uasin Gishu and Nandi counties who topped the race organised last month.

Cheptil secondary had three students who received the training bicycle while Paul Boit and Uasin Gishu secondary school students each got one.

Leong said the move is aimed at grooming young cycling to become professional riders. "There is rich cycling talent in Kenya and what is needed is to develop the culture.

Look at how the rugby Sevens players performed recently. We should emulate that spirit," he said. Kenya Triathlon Association chairman, Chrispine Omondi, said he has prepared a training programme that will suit them during school days and holidays. "They will train on their own during school holidays and will assemble in Iten during holidays," Omondi said.