Normally shy and retiring, Kris Hedges is ready to be the focus of attention.

The Island's number one cyclist has picked up the mantle that once belonged to Elliott Hubbard and is ready to fly the flag for Bermuda at the forthcoming Commonwealth Games.

Four years ago in Kuala Lumpur Hedges was part of the team that worked for Hubbard.

In six months time it is Hedges who will spearhead the Island's challenge in Manchester, England.

Speaking yesterday after sealing a season long sponsorship deal with Island law firm, Conyers, Dill and Pearman, Hedges said nothing was impossible in terms of what might be achieved in the UK.

"Initially, I am looking just to be competitive," the Snow Valley rider said. "Making it to the finish this year will be the first goal. But if something happens .... Cycling often involves a lot of luck and being in the right place at the right time and bad luck can strike anybody. My main goal is to finish in the elite pack and we'll see what happens."

Hedges said he had studied the course already and it did not hold any surprises.

"It is a pretty standard course. It has about 100 metres of elevation change over seven miles. There are going some steep climbs and it will be very technical," he said. "If anything happens I hope to be there."

John Buckley, general manager of CD&P, has no doubts that Hedges will "be there" at some point in the not to distance future, hence his company's backing of the rider.

"I know Kris to be an outstanding young man. He has real talent and represents the standard we set as a law firm," he said.

"His conduct, both on and off the bike, is exemplary and we are confident he will continue to be a great ambassador for the sport of cycling and for Bermuda."

Bermuda's national cycling coach also threw his weight behind Hedges.

"Kris has developed into a very strong all-round rider with no real weaknesses," he said. "This has come as the result of years of total commitment with a great deal of sacrifice on his part.

"Kris gives back tremendously to the sport locally. He runs our summer Junior Camp and readily involves himself in developmental clinics when he is on the Island. Our junior riders look up to him - he is a great role model.

"Whatever goals Kris sets himself he goes after with 100 percent dedication, that is why more often than not he reaches those goals."