While a host of pros battle it out this weekend to become the new CD&P Grand Prix champion, last year?s winner is away in Spain pursuing loftier goals.

Olympic triathlete Tyler Butterfield, who made the leap across to full-time cycling after his surprise win in last year?s Grand Prix, will take to the streets of Madrid today instead of the Clearwater Beach route ? Butterfield, in his final year of eligibility, is one of 176 riders taking part in the World Under 23 Championships.

The Bermudian, who will be at a disadvantage competing alone in a field that consists of many five-man teams prepared to sacrifice themselves for a team leader, will ride 168kms on eight loops of a city centre course in the 1.30 p.m. local time event.

The course, consisting of a number of small hills and a dangerously tight U-turn close to the finish, should prove a tough test for Bermuda?s best cyclist as he looks to cap a year of achievement since heading to the French Vendee U team.

Butterfield, who stamped his mark on the cycling world on Bermuda?s streets this time last year, has had some strong performances in the past 12 months, including an impressive showing in the ten-day Tour de Guadeloupe as well as a sixth-place overall finish in the Prix de Plouay.

?Can Tyler medal? Yes, he has a chance,? said manager and former national coach Greg Hopkins.

?It is going to be tough for him because he is up against teams and he is on his own. How well he does will be about what good decisions he makes when teams start making their moves.

?But if it is just a question of ability, then Tyler is good enough to do something special in this event.

?It is a tough course, not helped by a lack of rain here, but also by the tight turns. And the finish is going to be pretty hairy because you have practically a U-turn following a downhill section.

?It?s going to be crowded with 176 riders on the streets of Madrid so there is a need for some very sensible riding and good decision making.?

Hopkins added that the hills, the fast pace of the course, the tight turns and the finishing section would be the deciding factors in Butterfield?s last shot at Under 23 glory.