Kaden Hopkins continued his winning form by claiming victory in the Adult A category of the Bermuda Bicycle Association’s BRCC Crit at the Motor Sports Park.

Fresh from his record-breaking success in the May 24 Sinclair Packwood Memorial race, where he pipped Dominique Mayho to the much coveted title in a record time of 23min 47sec, the 19-year-old was involved in another exhilarating finish, taking victory in a photo finish with Conor White.

Hopkins and White were both clocked crossing the finish line at 42min 39.9sec, with Alexander Miller completing the podium, taking third-place in a time of 44:03.05.

“It turned out to be a really interesting race because the rainy conditions made it ridiculously slippery,” Hopkins said.

“Everyone was a little more cautious because of that, but it turned out to be a great race none the less with a really close finish between myself and Conor.

“The last corner down to the finish line was only about 100 metres and on the bikes that’s not long at all so it was full throttle from that last bend to the finish line. I just managed to beat Conor on the line.”

While, the win does not hold the same level of significance as his Bermuda Day success, Hopkins still regarded the victory as an important one as he aims to maintain his form ahead of the national championships at the end of the month.

Hopkins is determined to cement his status as the island’s top male cyclist but he is well aware it will not be a simple task with the ever increasing level of talent among local competitors.

“For me, all races at the moment are great training to get ready for the nationals at the end of the month,” added Hopkins, who rides for Fort Lewis College in Colorado and is coached by former professional racing cyclist Robbie Ventura.

“I’ll be focusing on the road race and time trials of the nationals and it’s a case of me keeping my form up for those.

“After my May 24 victory it’s a great chance to prove I’m the best in the country, but I know it won’t be easy with the likes of Dominique Mayho, Conor White, Adam Kirk and a few others as well.

“The level of local talent is really high at the moment and it is only getting stronger. Since coming back from the States for the summer it’s really surpriseing how high the level is locally, I certainly wasn’t expecting it to be so strong.

“It’s brilliant for Bermuda because that level is increasing all of the time and it can only be a good thing for the nation.”