New Zealander Graeme Miller snatched the 22nd Sinclair Packwood Memorial Race title from defending champion Wayne Scott after the new boy used experience and wisdom to conquer the 13-mile course.

The newly-crowned champion crossed the finish line two bike lengths ahead of Scott to win his maiden title.

After last weekend's thrilling road race encounter between the two riders, in which Miller out-duelled Scott to the finish, the pair went into the event as favourites.

Possessing the ability to outlast their rivals in the closing stages, it came as no surprise as they took first and second after being acknowledged as the best sprinters on the Island.

But it was Miller who held his nerve, crossing the line on Cedar Avenue with arms aloft ahead of Scott and Arthur Pitcher jr, who finished in third position.

"It wasn't bad out there, but you could feel the nervous energy," said Miller. "Everyone wanted to win so there were a lot of tactics being played out . . . that was exciting.

"The spectators were awesome, this is my first May 24 race and it was amazing and the fans cheered us all on so I am pleased to be apart of this."

The former Olympian remained in the front pack up until Burnt House Hill where, along with five other riders, he started making a move to push away from his main competitors, including Scott.

Once opening up a sizeable gap, the experience of the wily veteran came into play, knowing that the race was still anyone's to win.

The chasing pack closed the gap but Miller made the most of his second attempt to ditch those behind him heading into the dying stages of the race.

With his closest sprint challenger some way behind him, it was Miller who soft-pedalled to finish to take the chequered flag.

"Basically we climbed Burnt House Hill very hard and that gave myself and a couple of others some time to get a gap between two packs which was about six of us.

"We came along Harbour Road and I got away by myself and thought that I am a very good sprinter so that it is better to be safe than sorry, so I wanted for the pack to catch back up instead of riding solo and being caught later on.

"I wasn't really surprised that the likes of Wayne and others were so far behind me due to the fact I'm not currently working. I have more time to dedicate to the racing. I want to bring the level of racing in Bermuda up and everyone raced a fair race today.

"My strategy was as soon as we got to Church Street I was going. I knew it was a long way to go but if I did it then no one would catch me.

"I went hard from the top of Queen Street and then I knew the other sprinters wouldn't be strong enough and I would have a bit of a gap.

"My foot came put off the pedal for a second and that was the closest I came to messing up.

"But everyone ran a good race and I am pleased with my performance."