Bermuda is growing.

That's the view of top triathlete Mr. Greg Hopkins, who recently left the Police Force to help run the New Winner's Edge cycle sales and service store in Hamilton.

English-born Mr. Hopkins sees family cycling as a popular trend. He now devotes all of his time to the sport, having left the post he held for five years as an instructor at the Police training school where he taught law and physical training.

Since his wife, Mrs. Mary Hopkins -- also a top triathlete -- and Mrs. Maria Medeiros, bought the Church Street store in June last year, it has shifted from solely catering to top cyclists to selling family bikes.

"We want to push the idea of cycling, not just for health reasons, but as a family activity,'' he said. "We will also bring in equipment for top cyclists and triathletes.'' Mr. Paul Medeiros, Mrs. Medeiros' husband, who also works at the store, has 20 years' experience as a cycle mechanic.

"With Paul's knowledge of mechanics and my competitive involvement, we can give advice about how to get into the sport,'' added Mr. Hopkins.

"I have raced in Europe and the US and found that Bermuda is definitely the easiest and safest place to cycle because of the low speed limit and the climate.'' Mr. Grant Darby, operations manager at Wheels, admitted competition between Bermuda cycle stores was increasingly intense.

"Bike stores really have to know what to offer the customer, who needs services and parts,'' he said.

PEDAL POWER -- Mr. Greg Hopkins, one of Bermuda's most successful triathletes, pictured at The New Winners Edge which he runs with his wife, Mary and Mr.

Paul and Mrs. Maria Medeiros.