Kris Hedges is showing just why he is rated so highly as he holds down 20th spot after two stages of the gruelling Fitchburg Longsjo Classic.

The event, in Massachusetts, features many of the top North American riders and is being used by the Bermudian as a warm-up for the World Bs in Switzerland later this year.

After Stage One, a seven mile time trial, Hedges was in 15th place overall out of 159 riders. The Team Snow Valley rider finished in 57.88, one place ahead of team-mate Jon Wirsing.1

Yesterday, the heat and humidity was once again the primary obstacle for the riders. With temperatures soaring and the humidity taking its toll, organisers decided to shorten the circuit race by one lap, meaning riders had to complete 24 laps totalling 120km.

Hedges finished in a bunch and was classified as 42nd.

Overall, Hedges is now 20th going into the third day - a tough road stage that has the riders completing laps of an 18km circuit before making the ascent up Wachusett Mountain. The national champion and his rivals will race nine laps for a total of 166km.

The final stage, the Worker's Credit Union Criterium, takes place in downtown Fitchburg.