Reigning Conyers Dill and Pearman (CD&P) Bermuda Grand Prix men?s elite champion Tyler Butterfield won?t be back to defend his title this year.

Instead the 22 year-old local cyclist will be in Madrid, Spain competing at the Under 23 World Championships this weekend accompanied by manager Greg Hopkins.

Butterfield, who has since signed on with French cycling team Vendee U, turned last year?s event on its head by powering to victory among a competitive field of professional riders heralding from Holland, France, Canada and the US.

It was the first time in the prestigious event?s history a local rider had ever won the general classification (GC) title.

?Unfortunately Tyler can?t defend this year?s title and I say unfortunate because it?s always great to have the defending champion defend their title. However, good for Tyler, he?s off to Madrid with his manager Greg Hopkins who is obviously well known in the cycling world in Bermuda to compete at the under 23 World Championships,? confirmed CD&P marketing director and former Bermuda international rugby player Ross Webber.

?Tyler has already expressed his regrets that he couldn?t defend his championship but obviously for him this is a major event and we wish him all the best.?

With Butterfield ruled out for this year?s event, which commences tomorrow evening on Front Street with the CD&P Hamilton Criterium, Dutchman Harm Jensen and his fellow Helen?s RPM team-mates are among the firm favourites to capture the Bermudian?s vacated crown.

Jensen won both the Hamilton and Dockyard Criteriums last year and finishing third overall behind Butterfield and Frenchman Jean Luc Campagnola.

?He?s probably the strongest favourite this year, particularly in the Criteriums. Cycling is very much a team sport with lots of tactics involved and Jensen has a very strong team therefore I think he?s probably got a very good shot at winning the overall title,? added Webber.