lifelong dream by agreeing to a professional contract with an Italian professional cycling team.

Speaking from his current base in Baltimore, Maryland, Hubbard, who turns 23 today, envisioned tough times on the always demanding European circuit, but was optimistic regarding his chances of rising to the rarefied domain occupied by the likes of Miguel Indurain, Tony Rominger and reigning king Bjarne Riis of Denmark.

"I haven't quite turned pro quite yet, but it feels good to know that next season that's going to be happening for me, especially being on a pro team in Europe,'' said Hubbard, who had previous anateur experience riding in France before the collapse of his team sent him to the United States.

"It's been a long road getting here since I left home at 17, but I feel like it's all been worth it and looking back I have no regrets.

"This is the biggest step forward I've made in my career and to be a part of the elite professional spectrum in Europe is what I've been working for my whole career.'' Hubbard will be joining AKI-Gipiemme, a team that is one of the most prominent in all of Europe, one which competes in major World Cup races, as well as the noted Tours of Italy, Spain and the prestigious Tour de France.

The cyclist credited former coach Michel Ducas as a major cause for his dream being realised, as it was the Frenchman who religiously sent resumes and copies of Hubbard's results to a number of teams while the Bermudian toiled in the US.

It literally came as a shock to Hubbard when he was informed that AKI-Gipiemme had agreed to have him join the 18-man squad, one which counts Russian Dimitri Konyshev, who was 13th at the Olympic Games in Atlanta and is currently competing in the Tour of Spain, and Poland's Zenon Jaskula, who was third in the 1993 Tour de France, as members.

"I was very surprised,'' said Hubbard. "I did have offers from some pro teams here in the States, but to get one from Europe was a shock.'' "I think I have a lot to offer for the team, obviously they see my potential and hopefully I can capitalise on that. "Your first season as a pro in Europe is always the most trying and is a big adjustment to make, so I'm hoping to go in and find my place on the team and start working my way up.

"It is a big team, so only a select few get to race in main events, so I'll have to earn my spot on any major event team, but hopefully the season will go well and I can work my way up the ladder.'' Hubbard was unsure whether he would have to travel to Europe before the end of this year to sign the contract which is for one year or if he would wait until January when training for the 1997 season gets underway.

Elliot Hubbard