There were no surprises in the National Road Race Championships with star cyclist Tyler Butterfield taking the men's title at Southside yesterday

Bermuda's male athlete of the year finished ahead of Island Games hopefuls Garth Thompson and last year's victor Wayne Scott to clinch the much coveted champion's jersey.

Butterfield had been visiting the Island for his brother's wedding and took part in yesterday's race, along with fiancé and world-class cyclist Nikki Egyed.

The 25-year-old was also victorious in the women's race but as a visitor she was ineligible for the title, which passed to Deanna McMullen.

Former Olympic triathlete Butterfield has had an inauspicious start to his first professional year and knows he must improve to secure a second season.

He has been riding for American team Slipstream Sports since the turn of the year after a productive couple of seasons with a top amateur team in France.

Ill health has riddled the 24-year-old's campaign so far but following his impressive performance in the National Championships it seems he may be on the mend.

Race organiser Peter Dunn said Butterfield's extra class proved to be the difference in the end.

"Everyone expected Tyler to win and we weren't disappointed," he said.

"He and Garth Thompson drilled it at the start of the race and pulled away before Tyler put his foot to the peddle to ensure the win.

"It was good to see guys like Garth and Wayne Scott perform well and that bodes well for our Island Games chances."

Bermuda's cycling team heading for the Island Games in Rhodes, Greece, are Ricky Sousa jr, Wayne Scott, Geri Mewett, Garth Thompson, Mark Hatherley, Ashley Robinson, Kim McMullen and Denna McMullen.

The games run from June 30 until July 6 and will see the team compete in three races; a criterium, road race and time trial.