When Elliot Hubbard returns home for the Bermuda Grand Prix, he won't be wearing his nation's colours.

The Island's top cyclist this week confirmed he would take part in the Island's top cycling event next month -- but with his visiting Navigators team.

Hubbard, in his second professional season, signed a contract with the New Jersey-based squad two months ago. And while he is the undisputed leader of the recently-formed Bermuda national squad, when it comes to the Grand Prix it's every man for himself.

"It wasn't even a consideration,'' national team coach Greg Hopkins says when asked why Hubbard won't be riding for his country.

"Not to demean riders here, but he is totally beyond Bermuda. He needs the support of a professional outfit.'' With just two -- and maybe three -- national squad riders, amateurs all, lining up in the main event, Bermuda could certainly use the help.

Instead, Hubbard will have the backing of four of his professional team-mates -- Adam Laurent, Robbie Ventura, Sean McDonald and Ed Beamon -- as he attempts to win on home soil.

While it would be nice for Hubbard to work with his Bermuda team-mates in preparation for upcoming international events, Hopkins notes that, as a professional, the 23-year-old isn't even eligible for at least two competitions in which the squad will compete.

Two hours after the final criterium on Sunday, Hubbard catches a flight to Spain to hook up with the rest of the Navigators on a European tour.

Like his previous appearance in the Grand Prix two years ago, Hubbard figures to be the team leader. "They'll be riding for Elliot to win,'' Hopkins said.

"I know, and knowing the fans and media in Bermuda, this will put Elliot under a lot of pressure, but he's used to it.'' But, unlike the 1996 Grand Prix, when he rode with the semi-pro One-Plus team, victory is far from certain, not with seven teams of professional riders scheduled to take part in the $20,000 event.

A total of 150 riders are confirmed but there's also the chance the field could grow depending on sponsorship money. The competition starts with the Conyers, Dill and Pearman Grand Prix on Front Street on May 7 before three days of cumulative-time general classification races.

In addition to Navigators, two other top US professional squads will compete: Saturn, featuring Frank McCormack and 1995 Canadian Pan-Am Games medallist Brian Walton; and defending champion Shaklee, who are back with an even stronger team of Jonas Carney, Matthew Koschar, Eric Wohlberg and Kent Bostick.

Wohlberg is the current Canadian time trial champion; Bostick is a 12-time US champion and two-time world record-holder.

National teams from Canada, Ireland and England have also confirmed their attendance.

"Last year exceeded everyone's expectations,'' said Hopkins. "And this year ... it's just amazing.'' Bermuda will enter a junior team (Jonathan Herring, Nuri Latham and Tyler Butterfield), veteran's team (Hopkins, Mel Bennett and Jeff Payne) and a "secondary'' team of national squad riders.

As for the first team, Steve Sterritt and MacInnis Looby, aiming to meet the Commonwealth Games standard, will lead the way. Hopkins isn't sure about a third member although Mike Lee could fit the bill.

"It would be nice to see three riders but it would understandable if there isn't,'' Hopkins said.

"It's almost a pro race. You have to realise it would be far better for our riders to participate in a race where they have the opportunity to do really well and get positive results.''