of the Bermuda Bicycle Association season on Sunday.

Millington, the BBA Rider of the Year in 2000, edged out Greg Hopkins by one second in a sprint finish in the 45 minutes plus one lap race at Southside, St. David's.

Jonathon Herring came in third and Brian Steinhoff, who took category three honours, was the fourth rider to cross the line.

Recently retired professional Elliot Hubbard had given all the competitors a shock when he turned up unexpectedly just before the starter's gun was due to go off. But the relief of some, he was there only as a spectator.

Herring and Jason Krupp blasted off the front to set a brisk pace early in the race. But the main pack, comprising category two, veterans and top juniors, closed down the two leaders as they fought the stiff headwind.

Soon after the pack reformed, Millington jumped off the front and opened up a gap. The leader's team-mate Hopkins then sensed hesitation among the pack, attacked off the front and began a half-lap chase-down of Millington, who had opened up a 20-second lead. Millington and Hopkins then worked together to build up an insurmountable lead.

In the chase group, efforts by 24 Hour Gym riders Mike Lee and Damian Wilson and veteran Clark Tear came to naught. Jason Krupp and Herring broke away, but a puncture put Krupp out of the race.

Millington finished in 52 minutes, one second, with Hopkins a second behind, while Herring finished in 54:20, 10 seconds ahead of Steinhoff.

Jean-Nicholas Bertrand, riding for the first time in category three, won out in a group sprint for fifth, edging out a fast-finishing Melanie Claude, Gino Crofton and Lee.

Vic Ball was a handsome winner of the veterans' category, while Marcellino Ferreira won the novices division.

Other category winners were Matthew Herring (15-16 boys), Tyler Abbott (13-14 boys), Ashley Robinson (13-14 girls), Tim Fox (11-12), Alison Bolton (11-12 girls) and Dominic White ((under-10 boys).

Next event will be the IBC Front Street Races on Sunday, March 18. Entry forms are available from the Winner's Edge bike shop.