will contain a mixed bag of old and new faces.

The selection committee have combined youth with experience in naming Geri Mewett, Kris Hedges, Steve Sterritt, Steve Millington and Mike Lee to the men's team. National coach Greg Hopkins feels it's a strong enough team to be in contention for a top placing despite the absence of Bermuda's top rider Elliot Hubbard.

Hubbard, who races professionally in the United States, has been deemed `overqualified' by the world governing body, the UCI, because he rides for the Category 2 trade team, New Jersey Navigators. As a result selectors of the Bermuda Bicycle Association had to reduce the men's team from six to five riders.

The women's team will be made up of just two riders, Melanie Claude and Julia Hawley.

National road race champion, Mewett, who was the top local amateur finisher in the recent Conyers Dill and Pearman Grand Prix, will make his first appearance in the team after a very active and successful season. He will be joined by teenager Hedges who is no stranger to international competition despite his age.

Hedges represented Bermuda at the Junior World Championships in Spain two years ago and the CAC and Commonwealth Games last year. He was also the national time trial champion.

Sterritt returns to the team and Hopkins believes his wealth of experience will assist the younger riders as Bermuda attempts to qualify for the 2000 Olympics in Australia next year.

Another rider making his debut will be Millington who has just completed a highly successful season, taking overall honours in the 16-race Points Series which saw him record the most consistent results, including five wins.

Stalwart Lee gets what could be his final ride in the national team after many years representing the Island in international competition.

Since concentrating solely on cycling this year, Claude has not only established herself as a top rider overall in Bermuda but has made herself a name to be reckoned with on the international scene.

She has enjoyed impressive results in the Killington Stage Race in Vermont, the Coupes des Americas in Quebec and the top rated Tour of Canada women's stage race in the last few months.

Claude's victory last week in the Conyers, Dill and Pearman Grand Prix confirmed her status as a top contender on the international scene and she could be the Island's best hope for a medal in Uruguay.

Hawley, who has had a mixed season, is being rewarded for an encouraging performance in the Grand Prix where she impressed the selectors with a strong, supportive role for Claude.

Said Hopkins: "I believe that the men's team has a good chance of a top placing at the World B's. The team is a mixture of young and older riders, all of whom without exception have had a wealth of experience overseas and I know that they will work well together.

"In the women's race, Melanie Claude must have a legitimate chance of medalling. She has had a wonderful season and is on a high right now. If we can time the preparation right I am sure she will do well.'' The championships are an opportunity for the Island's riders to qualify for the 2000 Olympics with the top seven men and top five women gaining selection.

The team leave on November 6 and return on November 16.

Kris Hedges: Bermuda's youngest team member at the World Bs.