What a difference a year makes!

Last year was absolutely miserable for cyclist Julia Hawley but now she is heading to the Pan-American Games while her training partner and perennial team-mate, Melanie Claude, stays home.

The irony is that Claude had a superb campaign last year but, since crashing in a bike race a month ago in Philadelphia, USA, she has been forced to rethink her plans as she is still recovering from injuries.

Acknowledging that she is not in top form, she informed the Bermuda Bicycle Association (BBA) last Friday that she would not vie for the Island's lone female spot in the Pan-Am road race and that they should not continue to try to secure a second berth for Bermuda.

"I really need the time to recover properly and, with the Pan-Am Games only three weeks away, I had to be honest with myself. I really don't think I would be at 100 percent which I should be at and Jules (Hawley) - based on how she performed in the last two events - is probably more on form and a better candidate.

"I put a lot of time and effort into gearing up for the World Bs and, with the accident I had, I did a lot of damage to my back and buttocks and I have not given it the time to heal like with most injuries. I had to persevere in order to perform at the Island Games and the World Bs," explained Claude, adding that she will be "winding down" from international competition soon.

After resting and healing, the veteran cyclist will use the coming weeks to refocus and start preparing for the CD&P Cycle Races in September.

"I'm going to use this time to regroup because I'd like to have a really good performance at the CD&P.

"If I continue to keep going I think it will really set me back as far as my recovery."

The decision means that Claude, who will be 42 in September, has missed her one shot at a Pan-Am experience.

"That's what makes it hard to let it go.

"It probably would have been the pinnacle for me and it's a disappointment that I had that fall."

By contrast, Hawley is ecstatic to be carrying the country's hopes in the regional championships.

Not surprisingly, though, there's a touch of sadness at her team-mate's absence.

"I am delighted and very excited at this opportunity. Going to the Commonwealth Games was a great achievement but being selected for Pan-Am is really fantastic. There are also mixed emotions for me because there's only one spot and Melanie is not going.

"So there's a down side which I felt as well. It's unfortunate," said the cyclist, bound for the Dominican Republic.

The 39-year-old is looking forward to the challenge and is hoping to continue in the rich vein of form that brought her, Claude and Lynn Patchett success at the Island Games.

"I'm just having a really great year. I am lucky because last year I didn't have a good year. It's funny how things can change.

"My training has gone really well. I am riding very well and I feel really strong right now. Of course once you physically start having some success then the mental side kicks in and you start feeling like you can really believe in yourself and achieve much more."

She noted that riding on her own will make the challenge much tougher and she will have to be constantly vigilant in order not to be caught napping.

"It's not the same when it's just one rider but I think a lot of other countries will be in the same position so it won't only be Bermuda.

"You have to be watching your position and try to be in the top third of the field and ready for the breaks whenever they come," said Hawley who will be training in local time trials and road races prior to leaving for the Pan-Am meet.

Claude agreed her cycling colleague will have her work cut out but is confident Hawley can give a good account of herself.

"There's no question it will be harder without a team.

"She will have her challenges but the good thing is that she will have a highly-qualified coach (Philippe Mauduit) and he will give her the guidance that's needed.

"Her tactics will have to be on an individual basis now and that will be different. She will try to give her best."

Despite being the lone local lady on wheels, Hawley will not be the sole Bermudian in cycling as Kris Hedges' and Geri Mewett's participation was also ratified following their attainment of the qualifying standards.