On the same day that the Bermuda Auto Cycle Union held a memorial race for one of its former members, the sport was rocked on Sunday night by the sudden death of one of its top current riders -- Melvin (Buddy) Joell.

The tragedy occurred just a few weeks before Joell, 25, was planning to move to Atlanta, Georgia to pursue his riding career further.

Joell -- who did not ride on Sunday because of bike problems -- was taken to hospital later that evening where he died suddenly.

"The whole of the association is in total shock,'' said BACU secretary Lynn Ford who was also a neighbour of Joell in the same Ord Road neighbourhood.

Joell grew up with her son Jason.

It is not known at this time if the cause of death is related to a crash Joell had at Coney Island two weeks ago during competition. An autopsy is expected to be performed.

"When Buddy rode he always had the best,'' said Ford. "He never went on the track unprotected. He would have ridden on Sunday if he had a bike. We are all mourning the loss of him.'' Fellow rider and president of the BACU, Ras Mykkal, also expressed a deep sadness for one of the Island's top riders in the 125B class. "The whole club is trying to come to terms with this,'' said the president.

"He didn't ride yesterday (Sunday) because of a mechanical fault with his bike. His last event was on October 30 when he was second to Robbie Smith.'' Mykkal said Joell was one of the very first riders in the 80cc class which was started in 1983. He advanced through the classes right up to the 250cc before settling into the most competitive 125B class where he came up against Robbie Smith, Aaron Pace and Cory Smith.

"He was one of the many who got into the sport at an early age,'' said Mykkal, who estimated the youngster would have been 13 or 14 when he rode for the first time.

"He was always a top contender. As a rider he was one who was always at odds with the other competitors because of his competitive, `take no prisoners' riding style.

"Buddy was one of those types of riders who, if he fell down, he still gave 100 per cent. He never settled for second place. On behalf of the BACU members and supporters Buddy will be greatly missed, not only as a tough competitor but also as a friend.'' Past president Jerry Robinson was also saddened to learn of Joell's death. He sponsored Joell when he was a 125 novice and expert class rider and took him away at the age of 16 to watch motocross riding in Gainsville and Daytona Beach in Atlanta and Florida. Joell later represented Bermuda for two seasons in Florida and Georgia.

"Right now I'm in traumatic shock,'' said Robinson yesterday. "He definitely contributed to the younger riders behind him. He always cared about them and not just himself when he became an expert rider.'' During the motocross season memorials are held for past members, supporters and riders Allan Mello, Ed Swan and Brian Castle, and the BACU will also be looking into introducing a memorial race for one of its most dedicated riders.

"We're already talking of retiring his number five for this year in his memory.'' Racing will go ahead as planned this Sunday. "That's what Buddy would have wanted,'' said Ford.

MELVIN (BUDDY) JOELL -- Bermudian was only 25 years old.