Greg Hopkins powered to his first ever victory in the May 24 cycle race...and immediately dedicated the win to the man whose name will forever be associated with the event.

In an emotional scene, Hopkins, the Bermuda Bicycle Association president, hugged the widow of former top rider and two-time race winner, Sinclair Packwood, moments after crossing the finish line first outside the Leopards Club on Cedar Avenue.

It was a race Hopkins was determined to win, not for himself, but rather as a tribute to the man who did so much to bring this event to the forefront.

Packwood died suddenly last November and his presence was felt as an emotional tribute was paid to him at the presentation which was attended by his mother, widow Marie and daughters Yelena and Rehena.

It was the first time that the riders' numbers bore Packwood's name, so it was fitting that the number one should be framed and presented to Packwood's daughters, never to be worn by a rider in the event.

"This is Sinclair Packwood's day and regardless of what any rider did today it should be remembered this year for Sinclair, his contributions to the sport and in particular Sinclair's untiring efforts to make it a legitimate race which it is these days,'' said Hopkins as he addressed the large crowd as BBA president and race organiser.

"So it's only apt that we name the race the Sinclair Packwood road race as of this year and it will always be known as that. So today is very special for that reason.'' The victory was special to Hopkins, too, who set his sights on winning it the moment the decision was made to change the name of the event to honour Packwood.

"This is Sinclair Packwood's and cycling in Bermuda's day,'' said Hopkins after crossing the finish line. Like Jeff Payne, who won two years ago at the age of 56, 45-year-old Hopkins showed that there is no substitute for experience in this event which has established itself as the most popular of all local races.

"The whole thing started off because of Sinclair, he worked very hard for it, was always competitive in it and won it two years in a row and I just wanted to win it for him today. What goes along with it is fine but this is Sinclair Packwood's day, not my day.'' Hopkins finished the Somerset to Hamilton route in 26.58, just four seconds ahead of a pack containing Steve Millington, teenager Tyler Butterfield, Dayna Henry, Darron Simons, Jason Krupp, Jonathon Herring, Kevin Topple and Steve Sterritt.

"I just didn't want it to come down to a sprint,'' said Hopkins who made his move on Harbour Road.

"I kept hearing Sinclair's words in my head. He always said to me he didn't know why I didn't sprint because he thought I could and I kept thinking I hope I don't have to put it to the test.

"Once I got a gap on Harbour Road I just put my head down and I wasn't going to slow down for anybody.

"Today I gave 110 percent and I had nothing else to give. I'm just fortunate it was my day today. It would have been fitting whoever won it.'' The race was still anybody's on Burnt House Hill, the scene of a crash among a chasing pack, with Hopkins among the leaders and plotting his move.

"When we came over Burnt House I looked around and saw the likes of Earl Godfrey, Damian Wilson, Dayna Henry and all those strong sprinters still there and I realised I had to try to do something,'' Hopkins explained.

"It was a plan earlier in the week that myself and the Winners Edge riders were going to make the race a hard pace, but it wasn't going hard enough for my liking so I took it on myself.

"Over the years I've had some success in sport but nothing will ever compare to the way I feel today. I'm 46 this year and I guess days like this are going to be few and far between.

"I'll ride until the day I drop and there is no such thing as quitting in my vocabulary.'' Butterfield was first among the male juniors with Herring second and Brian Steinhoff third.

Henry was disappointed not to clinch his first victory, after several top five finishes. He admitted it was tough battling against the Winners Edge team.

"Even though it's the shortest race it's the race everybody wants to win,'' said Henry who was second heading towards the finish line. "I had enough energy to finish second but after not coming first it didn't make a difference. I figured today was going to be my day.'' Laurie Orchard won the female open category with Carolyn Conway second while Vic Ball took the male veteran category with Paul Madeiros second and Martin Bolton third.

This year marked the 25th year of the Bermuda Bicycle Association with a tribute paid to the past presidents who received a framed photograph of the former presidents together. They included the first president Leopold Kuchler, Joey Richardson, Jeff Payne, Vance Stevens, Carlos DeSilva, John Mills, who now resides overseas, and David Sabir. Five of the nine former presidents are still actively involved in the sport.

Marie Packwood presented the winning trophy to Hopkins, a Waterford crystal bowl which was donated by anonymous riders.

"I came here with mixed feelings but I want to say congratulations to Greg, it was earned,'' said Mrs. Packwood.

"On behalf of the family I want to thank you for creating this day in memory of Sinclair. It will always be remembered and appreciated and I truly do love you all.''