The Island's two top female cyclists Melanie Claude and Julia Hawley have taken another major step up in class on the international scene after three days of rigorous riding in one of the highest profile races in the US, the Solano Classic.

It was a race that would see mixed fortunes for the two national squad riders, who have worked tirelessly together over the past two years with one goal in mind - the 2002 Commonwealth Games to be staged in Manchester, England in July.

Once the Californian dust had settled, and after over four and a half hours of racing, Claude had clearly met the qualifying standards for Games selection. Despite a frustrating first two days, Hawley bounced back in the final event to finish with the leading pack in a fast and furious downtown circuit race that has boosted her confidence.

Both Claude and Hawley were given the same time yesterday as the third-placed finisher.

An upbeat Hawley said yesterday: "I needed this result on the final day, it has made it feel all worthwhile. The race was so fast on a flat and technical course but I was there at the front of the action for the whole race."

The three-day stage race started with a 60-mile road race, which saw 110 top professional and amateur riders climbing over 4,500 feet in 80-degree temperatures.

The American professional outfit, Team Saturn, dominated the race with Canadian Lynne Bessette taking stage honours and the overall lead but in a carefully controlled race.

Following her pre-race plan Claude stayed with the lead peleton of riders and at the finish of a gruelling day, was clocked with the same time as the ninth place finisher.

Hawley, having missed the break in the field when the race reached the main climb and the `Queen of the Mountain Sprint', finished three minutes behind her team-mate.

On day two, a 12 mile time trial, which was won by American Kimberely Bruckner of Saturn, Claude recorded an impressive 27th placing out of 103 riders, which also saw her holding that position on the overall general classification.

Claude said: "I was very pleased with my time trial because I recovered well after a very hard first day".

However, Hawley must have begun to wonder why she made the long trip when she punctured towards the end.

In typical fashion she battled to the finish and managed 90th place.

A clearly downhearted Hawley said after the time trial: "I was so disappointed. My splits on the course were good and I felt very strong. I guess that's bike racing".

Hawley was 72nd in General Classification after stage two.

Going into the final day, and with Team Saturn determined to protect their lead, it was destined to be a fast race on the tight downtown circuit.

After an aggressive start, breaks began to form in the field and halfway into the stage what would be the winning break formed with Canadian Alison Sydor, Joanne Kiesonski (Diet Rite) and Saturn team-mates Judith Arndt of Germany and Ina Teutenberg.

Teutenberg and Arndt finally broke away with ten laps to go, then Teutenberg kept going after Arndt needed a bike change, soloing in for the win. Arndt finished second only seconds ahead of the charging field which saw Kiesonski take third.

As the result of sprint time bonuses throughout the race Arndt had collected enough time while off the front to move over Bessette and take overall victory in general classification.

Despite the intensity of the race, Hawley and Claude passed their final test with flying colours finishing in the lead pack and timed the same as third place finisher Kiesonski, just 38 seconds behind the winner.

Afterwards Claude was satisfied with her result: "This was a very hard event, especially the first day.

"Julia and I both feel we have taken another big step up in class. This was a top class field and a very tough course.

"Today's race was so fast and technical. I was so pleased to be in the lead group at the end. Jules had a great race and out-sprinted me."

Claude finished 27th overall on general classification and Hawley moved up from 72nd to 59th with 95 finishers. A total of 15 riders did not complete the race.

Their coach Greg Hopkins said last night: "A lot of people thought that this was a very tough race for them so early in the season, but they put the work in during the off season.

"This is the result of two years build-up with the Commonwealth Games as the focus. Melanie had a fantastic weekend, and Julia showed just how tough and determined she is. They are both comfortable at this level of cycling now."