Hubbard later this month when she sets off for France where she will join that country's team of Etoile Cyclist Conde Sur Noreau.

Claude has been invited to join the team as their sole guest international rider for a one week training camp in accordance with the strict regulations limiting overseas competitors.

Claude, who will join the team on February 19, completed an outstanding season in 1999 with top finishes in Canada and the US as well as her overall victory in the top class of the CD&P Grand Prix.

She capped the season, taking the Island's first cycling medal in a major event, when she secured a time trial bronze at the World B Championships in Uruguay in November.

Bermuda Bicycle Association recognised her achievements in November at the annual awards dinner, when she was named both Most Improved Rider and Rider of the Year, an achievement never seen before in the 25-year history of the Association.

The French team is in its inaugural year and will consist of 14 riders in addition to Claude.

Her team-mates will include three former French champions and one of them a former world champion. This year the team will be racing as an amateur team aiming to become a professional outfit in 2001.

Claude has a busy international racing schedule planned for Europe with at least two World Cup events, plus the prestigious Tour De France Feminin (Grand Boucle). She also intends to return to Canada -- this time with her new team -- to compete in the Grand Prix Feminin Du Quebec where she recorded her first impressive international result in 1999.

It is also anticipated that the team will compete in the two North American World Cup events, the first in May in Montreal and then in Philadelphia in June.

National cycling coach Greg Hopkins said yesterday: "This is a wonderful opportunity for Melanie. She has worked incredibly hard and has already proved she is capable of competing on the international scene.

"Europe is in another league but, watching her progress over the past 18 months, I really believe she can be competitive. We at the Association are still hopeful that Melanie will be considered for the Olympic Games and, if she has a successful campaign over the next few months, it can only strengthen her claim for a spot in the Bermuda team.'' Melanie Claude: chance to train with some of Europe's top cyclists.