As he crossed the finish line on Frog Lane, arms outstretched in the air - the traditional victory salute of his cycling hero and world's most famous sprinter, Mario Cipollini - Jean Nicholas Bertrand sent a clear message that there is a `new kid on the block' in the realm of local cycling.

In what is regarded as the most prestigious event in local cycling, last month's Sinclair Packwood Memorial Road Race, the 18-year-old Saltus Grammar School student became the youngest winner in the race's history.

And in what is proving to be a dream season for him on the bike, he has suddenly become the `man' to beat.

Having already tasted victory in the IBC Front Street Race and the `Sprint Championships' in March, Bertrand etched his name into the record books again as the only winner of all three events in one season.

His rise to `fame', though, has come after five years of cycling on the Island, having come through the sport's junior ranks, and as a result of a lot of hard work, especially through this past winter.

Success has not come easy, as the youngster explains: "Last year was my final year as a junior and I wanted to do well but injury and sickness prevented me from doing that. I decided this year I was going to do everything I could and push myself to see how far I could go."

Pushing himself has meant a rigorous training programme and a lot of sacrifice, riding six days a week, often getting up at 4.30 a.m. to meet a group of the top riders on the Island to train for two to three hours during the week and then a four to five hour ride on Sundays.

"Riding with a group of people who all want the same thing has been a great help," he added. "Everyone is so motivated and we all have our own strengths and weaknesses and help each other to reach our goals."

Bertrand recognises his strength as a sprinter and relishes the short technical races. "I really enjoy the sprints and the crit (short circuit races) events, especially the fast and tight courses. It has really opened my eyes this year and shown me that all the hard work we put in leading up to the season was worth it."

Bertrand's performances both in Bermuda and overseas this year have not gone unnoticed by the sport's governing body and last month he was named as part of the five-man team to represent Bermuda in the Island Games to be held in Guernsey later this month.

There he will join Geri Mewett, Wayne Scott, Kent Richardson and Karl Outerbridge as they, along with a squad of athletes from nine different sports, compete in the Games for the first time.

Normally brimming with the confidence synonymous with being a `sprinter', the personable youngster is more cautious about his expectations as he prepares to represent Bermuda on an international level for the first time.

"I was a bit surprised to get selected. I just told myself there were better riders so it was just amazing when I was told I had made it and I am so proud to be representing Bermuda.

"My role is going to be completely different to racing here. I am not going to be riding for me to win, I am going to be riding for the team and the team leader. I am a bit nervous about it. It's my first time and I don't know what to expect.

"I will sit down with the team and the more experienced riders like Geri (Mewett) and Wayne (Scott) and will fill what ever role they want me to. The success of the team is what is important."

As he looks forward to the rest of the year, Bertrand is hoping to finish off as well as he has started.

"After the Island Games I am flying straight to Canada for a couple of weeks to train with Greg (Hopkins) and Tyler (Butterfield) and then to Chicago to race `Super Week' which is a week-long series of races every day.

"I would really like to represent Bermuda at the Caribbean Championships in October but with starting at Western Ontario (University) I will have to see how school and cycling mix.

"If I can work it in I would love to go."

Right now and regardless of what happens for the rest of the year, Bertrand can continue to enjoy the unofficial title of `King of the Road' in local cycling.