top-level debut in the Canadian Female International Grand Prix.

Competing as a guest of the US national team, Claude placed 27th in a gruelling 101.8-kilometre road race in Bromont, Quebec.

It was the first time Claude had ridden in an event of this class and the opposition included top teams Saturn, Timex and Elita and the French and Canadian national teams.

Claude finished among a 20-rider sprint some two minutes behind the leaders, but the real measure of her success was that she clocked the same time as Pan-Am Games bronze medallist Lynne Besette and Canadian national champion Linda Jackson.

Only a tactical error in Wednesday's race cost her a higher placing, as she was squeezed into the curb on the last turn, which caused her to brake to avoid crashing and she thereby lost her momentum.

National cycling coach Greg Hopkins was delighted with Claude's performance.

"This was a great boost to Melanie's confidence,'' said Hopkins. "Before she left, we discussed the magnitude of the event and she knew it was going to be very tough. She clearly came through with flying colours.

"The tactical error she made leading to the finish is exactly why she is going to these events. I know she will learn from them.'' Claude was due to compete in a 94-kilometre race including two major climbs yesterday, followed by a 91-kilometre road race today.

Her programme continues tomorrow with a 111-kilometre race on a hilly course and she will wind up on Sunday with a 14.6-kilometre time trial in the morning and a 40-kilometre criterium in the afternoon.

Claude returns to the Island next week before jetting off again soon after to compete in the prestigious Killington Stage Race in Vermont which will also see veteran Jeff Payne in action as well as Bermuda's professional rider Elliot Hubbard as he rides for his team, Navigators.

Claude's final preparation for the World B Championships in Uruguay will be the Conyers, Dill and Pearman Grand Prix which is scheduled for Bermuda on September 23.

Kris Hedges produced a dominant solo performance to cruise to an unchallenged victory in the latest Bermuda Bicycle Association road race on Sunday. Hedges, who races for Team Sachs in the US, is back on the Island for the summer.

On a hilly, 18-lap, 35-mile course, Hedges proved the fittest, breaking away from the pack after four or five laps and winning in one hour, 47 minutes, 46 seconds.

After Kevin Topple crashed with four laps remaining, Steve Sterritt, discovering his form late in the season, was left with an unchallenged run to claim second place in 1:49:09. Mike Lee placed third in 1:50:24, with Peter Eccles fourth, Duncan Simons fifth and Topple sixth.

In the 16-lap race for category three riders, Trevor Hedges ran out winner in 1:36:51, but was pushed hard by Melanie Claude who finished just three seconds behind.

Vic Ball continued his dominance of the veteran category, winning the 16-lap contest two laps clear of his nearest challenger. The closest finish of the day came in the novice category, as Jahdal Williams pipped Jay Simons in a sprint finish so tight that both rifers were credited with the same time, 1:35:26.

Melanie Claude: holding her own among North America's top riders.