Europe, leading Bermudian cyclist Elliot Hubbard celebrated by sprinting to victory in a US road race over the weekend.

Competing in what was likely to be his penultimate event for the Baltimore-based One-Plus team, Hubbard made a solo break near the end of the 45-mile Druid Hill Park circuit race and hung on for victory.

The race, in Baltimore, featured 25 l a ps of a circuit which included one steep climb -- and it was there that the 23-year-old Hubbard made his move seven laps from home.

Having joined a seven-man breakaway half way through the race, Hubbard attacked on the hill and with One-Plus team-mate John Strain blocking, raced into a lead which by the finish had stretched to 45 seconds. Strain came home sixth.

Bermuda Bicycle Association spokesman Greg Hopkins, who travelled with Hubbard to this year's Olympics, said yesterday the local rider would now likely bid farewell to his One-Plus team-mates at the Covered Bridge 120-mile road race in Philadelphia on October 6.

Although no firm plans have been made, he would then travel to Europe in November to meet with his new Monaco-based AKI Gipiemme team where he will be given details of the winter training programme.

The crack Italian team count among their ranks a number of top professionals including Stefano Faustini who currently lies fifth overall in the Tour of Spain, and Denis Zanette who finished ninth in yesterday's 137-mile 16th stage of the Tour.

Before heading to Europe, Hubbard still hopes to fly to Colorado Springs to train with Nick Radkewich of the US Olympic triathlon team.