With biting cold, gale-force winds and even hail, weather in yesterday's Bermuda International Marathon could only be described in one word.

"Perfect,'' Russian team manager Sergei Krasnochekov said after watching his countrymen sweep the top three places -- and the $4,800 in prize money -- in the 22nd annual road race.

Vladimir Plykin was declared the official winner, nosing ahead of twin brother Nikolay at the tape, with a time of two hours, 23 minutes and 15 seconds. They were followed by Alexander Kuftyrev, who was third in 2:23.50.

The three had teamed up to thwart a determined bid by 1994 champion Eddy Hellebuyck, who limped home in fourth spot (2:16.15), and, more importantly, worked together to conquer westerly winds that buffeted runners head-on along the North Shore Road.

"That was the biggest part,'' Vladimir Plykin said through their interpreter, Krasnochevkov.

The Plykins, 29-year-old twins from Toliatti, about 800 kilometres east of Moscow, went out fast and by the half-way point were part of a four-man lead group that also consisted of Hellebuyck and Canadian Steve Boyd.

They were soon joined by Kuftyrev just before Brighton Hill Road and for the next four miles the quintet stuck together. The Russians, embracing temperatures that left most of the more than 700 other entrants shivering, then began to work on the other two.

"We took turns leading, one-by-one,'' Plykin said.

"We were saving our energy.'' Boyd was the first to go, dropping off the pace -- and ultimately out of the race -- at the 19th mile, followed by Hellebuyck with a mile left.

The diminutive Belgian had shielded himself from the wind along the North Shore but could do nothing about a cramp in his leg when he attempted to follow the Plykins' sprint down Pitts Bay Road.

Traditionally a strong finisher, Hellebuyck said he only wanted to "try and hang on'' until the last quarter-mile, when he would turn on the jets, as he did in his thrilling win three years ago. His right calf muscle, however, would have nothing to do with it.

With Hellebuyck finally out of commission, the Plykins, averaging 5:28 a mile, then motored side by side to the tape, with Vladimir leaning in at the last second.

"I would not have been disappointed if it was vice versa,'' said Vladimir.

In contrast to the Russians, Heleybuyck, who lives and trains in New Mexico, was wearing a hat, T-shirt and gloves. He did not have a good time.

"This is what a marathon is all about -- up here,'' he said, pointing to his temple. "If you're not okay in the head, you're not going to perform.'' Vladimir's biggest previous victory was in Luxembourg in 1994, with a personal best of 2:14.58. Nikolay is the 1994 Russian champion with a PB of 2:14.54.

Brett Forgesson turned in a strong effort to lead Bermuda runners. Forgesson, who was a solid 81st in the New York City Marathon last November, briefly led early on before dropping back and finishing fifth overall in 2:41.00.

He was followed by Rod Allen (ninth in 2:46.48) and Calvin Steede (18th in 3:30.14).

BREAKING THE TAPE -- Vladimir Plykin edges out twin brother Nikolay at the Front Street finish line to win yesterday's Bermuda International Marathon.

Countryman Alexander Kuftyrev was third.