Bermuda's cyclists went through an hour of agony on a course known as the `Killer Loop' at Southside on Sunday .

Greg Hopkins eventually won the 60-minute category two and three race on a technically demanding half-mile course dominated by a steep, winding climb.

Some riders pulled out early and those who managed to finish were left lying on the ground gasping for air. Top triathlete Kent Richardson, who had been among the early pacesetters, needed treatment for dehydration afterwards.

The course had been devised by Gino Crofton of the Bermuda Bicycle Association, who made a deep impression on the riders in his debut as a race director.

The race started at the top of a steep hill, plummeted down to a 180-degree left turn and then a short, flat section was followed by another left at the bottom of the steep,winding climb to the start-finish line.

Hilltop sprint primes were also added to give the event extra spice.

Hopkins said after his exhausting victory: "I think it's a great course to do - but once a year is probably enough!

"One person arrived and saw the course and decided he was going to do something else. I think the riders enjoyed it. They saw it as a challenge because it was so different. All credit to Gino for coming up with something different."

With riders completing the circuit roughly every 90 seconds, it was Karl Outerbridge who seized the initiative and forged a 15-second lead for himself after the opening five laps.

Fifteen minutes into the race, Hopkins, Richardson and Melanie Claude were the only riders to keep Outerbridge within range.

Richardson sensed Outerbridge was pulling further away with each lap and gave chase, leaving Hopkins and Claude trailing.

Claude faded as the pace picked up and Hopkins appeared to be pacing himself.

As the hill began to take its toll, Hopkins' patience began to pay off as he hauled back the two leaders and by the 30-minute mark he had joined them.

It then became a tactical race between the three leaders and the picture changed when Claude, who had been pacing herself, rejoined the leaders with about 15 minutes remaining.

As soon as Claude rejoined the lead pack, Outerbridge launched an attack on the hill and only Hopkins was able to respond.

Looking more comfortable as the race progressed, Hopkins picked up the pace on each ascent of the hill as Outerbridge was clearly suffering under the pressure.

With the clock winding down and about six laps remaining, veteran Hopkins delivered the final blow, breaking away and soloing to victory, completing 47 laps and lapping all but Claude and Outerbridge.

In the final laps, the ever-improving Claude, who has broken two time trial records in as many weeks, caught and passed Outerbridge to claim second place. Outerbridge had to settle for third and Richardson hung on for fourth.

Hopkins said: "For me, I was stronger at the end because of the way I raced it.

"I had the experience to keep in a low gear going up the hill. Those who were pushing the big gears paid for it later."

Kevin Topple took the honours in the category three race ahead of Troy Trott and Kris Conway.

Top veteran rider Vic Ball beat out Chris Dickson, Ian Fox and Keith Fenn in the 30-minute veterans' race.

Triathlete Andrew Davies was locked in battle with newcomer David Hill in the novice category, before Davies took the honours. Aaron Smith was third.

Smith's wife and top triathlete Karen Smith won the women's 20-minute event, over Sharon Fenn and Dorann Simons.

Other winners were James Adams in the boys' 15-16 category and Dominic White, who pipped Tim Fox in the boys' 10-12s. Laura Ruse claimed the girls' 10-12 title.