Bermuda's top women cyclists, Melanie Claude and Julia Hawley, held their own among some of the best in a meet last weekend in England.

Competing in the three-tiered Bedford International Women's Road Race, Claude and Hawley took first and third respectively out of 52 starters in Stage One (time trial) on Saturday. Later that day they placed fifth and sixth respectively in Stage Two (criterium).

Both were also tipped to excel in Sunday's road race (Stage Three) - the programme's final event - but Claude suffered the misfortune of a puncture and, though she chased hard, was never able to catch the fast-moving bunch. She finished 48th out of 52 riders while Hawley was 23rd.

Overall, Hawley placed sixth but Claude's road-race result pulled her down to 46 out of 52.

"After the first day we felt great because we had done so well, especially in the time trial. We felt really confident going into the road race. It's amazing how the mental side of things can boost your confidence," Hawley told The Royal Gazette.

Despite Claude's tyre trouble, Hawley said they were pleased with their progress this season and would continue their build-up to the World `B' Championships in Switzerland in early July.

Regarding them opting to race in Bedford as opposed to competing in Monday's Sinclair Packwood Memorial Cycle Race, Hawley noted these were the choices which they had to make to further their ambitions internationally.

"May 24th is an important race but unfortunately we have to think beyond local races. We have to look at the bigger picture. You have to compete against the top people in order to better yourself," she said.

Should they be successful at the World B meet, they could be on their way to next year's Athens Olympics. The two are hoping to compete in North America for a final preparation before heading to Switzerland.

Hawley, who turns 40 in August, said she was in "great shape, feeling better than ever" and looking forward to competing for some time in the future.