Cycling's world governing body dropped a bombshell on Bermuda yesterday, ruling that top local rider Geri Mewett was ineligible for the upcoming World B Championships.

The news came just two days before Bermuda's squad head off for the long trip to China, and was described by national coach Greg Hopkins as a "devastating blow".

With Tennessee resident Mewett due to team up with three other overseas-based riders, Kris Hedges, MacInnis Looby and Wayne Scott as well as locally-based Steve Millington, the men's team was considered the strongest the Island had ever entered for any major international competition.

However, Bermuda Bicycle Association have now been told by the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) that because Mewett is a member of the US category three team, De Feet/LeMonde, he cannot take part in the World Bs - even though he still rides as an amateur.

"We're just stunned, absolutely devastated," said Hopkins yesterday. "It's not so much the decision itself, but the timing of the UCI's decision. Why couldn't they have let us know sooner.

"We checked all of the rules and double checked, and we thought everything was in order. Our entry was submitted on March 28 and on April 18 we received an e-mail from the UCI confirming that everything was alright.

"Now we get this letter telling us that Geri can't ride, it's just unbelievable.

"At the end of the day, I have to accept full responsibility. There appear to have been some amendments to the regulations that weren't picked up.

"But we entered Geri in good faith. And what hurts most is that the news has come at the 11th hour.

"There's nothing we can do about it. We've been in touch with the UCI and they won't budge.

"I've spoken to Geri and he's terribly frustrated but he's taking it in his stride.

"We've decided he's still going to travel with the team, and he can help with the preparation, but unfortunately he won't be able to compete."

Hopkins explained that the ruling of which he was unaware states that riders with category three teams registered with the UCI cannot take part in the World Bs - regardless of whether they are amateur or professional.

Ironically, another of Bermuda's team members, Kris Hedges, also rides with a category three team in the US, but his club is not registered with the UCI thus preventing it from taking part in certain prestigious American events.

"What is ridiculous about this is that Geri, essentially an amateur, could only compete in the World As which would put him up against the likes of Lance Armstrong and Jan Ullrich,'' continued Hopkins.

"You have to feel for him. He works at a bar until three or four in the morning so he can raise enough money to ride with his team, and then this happens to him. It's soul-destroying.

"The UCI have had all the information about our team for two months. I can't believe they've left their decision this late. But I also know when it comes to rules, they're inflexible."

The Bermuda team, which also includes females Melanie Claude and Julia Hawley, is scheduled to leave for China tomorrow.

Riders in form - Page 15