Hedges was one of three Island riders who turned in strong performances in one of the largest and toughest cycle races in the US. Older brother Trevor, competing in the Category Four division, and Steve Sterritt, recording a top 20 finish in the 30 and over age group, also took part.

Kris Hedges rebounded from a flat front tyre in the opening time trial with a mile to go in the 3.4-mile climb. That early deficit made it difficult to make up time but he consistently recorded top finishes over the five days en route to an overall placing of 15th in the Junior One class.

Preparing for the World Junior Championships next month in Spain, he claimed the King of the Mountain competition as best all-around climber in the mountains for his division.

Sterritt, riding in the colours of Elliot Hubbard's old team, was never out of contention, entering the final day's mountainous 65-mile road race just over a minute behind the leaders. With the last six miles uphill, Sterritt placed 25th in the group. Trevor Hedges suffered from lack of training and placed 43rd on the final stage and 65th overall.

SOCCER SOC Cable and Wireless has become the exclusive sponsor of the North Village Community Club's 1997-98 soccer prorgramme.

The deal covers the NVCC programme from mini-minors through to the senior team.

C&W general manager John Tibbles this week presented a cheque for $10,300 to NVCC president Rudolph Hollis.

TRIATHLON TRI Ten-year-old Adam Petty added another title to his name when he won his age group in the Kids of Steel Triathlon in Orillia, Ontario. In rainy conditions, the youngster outgunned is opponents over the 100-metre swim, three-kilometre bike and one-kilometre bike. The race was part of Canada's President's Choice Triathlon Series and saw two other Bermudians compete.

Julia Hawley was second in the women's 30-34 category, posting a time of 1:42.26 for 750-metre swim, 30km bike and 7 km run.

Petty's father, Steve, placed eighth in the men's 45-49 age group -- and 103rd overall -- with a time of 1:42:06.