Professional cyclist Tyler Butterfield took time out of his heavy training schedule this past Saturday to host a mini-bike skills clinic for Bermuda's young cyclists.

Advising the youngsters on how to approach the sport, Butterfield pointed out that whatever the young riders do in life it should always be fun.

He went on to run through a series of drills with the athletes highlighting the importance of how a high cadence teaches not only good form but saves energy for when it is most needed.

After a very 'hands on' and practical hour the youngsters were treated to an autograph signing session at which they all received a T-shirt, signed by their hero, courtesy of the Bermuda Bicycle Association.

Butterfield is at home for ten days of training prior to joining up with other members of his Slipstream Sports team at their European base in Gerona, Spain.

He will spend the following 12 weeks racing all over Europe against some of the top professional teams in the world.

For Butterfield it will in one way be like returning home as he has spent the last two years living and racing in France for the top French amateur team, Vendee U.

He does, however, realise that the coming year will be different as he will be racing as a professional for a pro-continental team looking to make it into the prestigious Pro Tour rankings in 2008 ? with the goal of competing in cycling's pinnacle event, the Tour de France in 2009.