It was an uphill struggle for Bermuda's national cycling team in Aruba on Sunday morning after losing two riders during crashes early in the event.

And at about the same time in Bermuda, many of the Island's riders were experiencing an uphill battle of their own when Bermuda Bicycle Association staged their final major event of the year at the Fairmont Southampton Princess Hotel - the Hill Climb Championship.

With the top riders over one thousand miles to the south and defending champion for the past three years, Duncan Simons, away in school, the title of 'King of the Hill' was up for grabs.

Almost 50 riders took the opportunity to try and take the crown over the shortest and quickest event of the season but one that many would argue is the most painful 60-plus seconds in the sport locally.

Only one rider has ever eclipsed the 60 second barrier in the history of the event, former professional Elliot Hubbard, whose 57 second winning time will likely stand as the benchmark for many years to come.

Racing from a standing start at the bottom of the Princess Hill on the northern side of the hotel, the riders were quickly faced with a leg wrenching steep accent coupled with two sharp technical turns that call for precision gear changing coupled with plenty of guts and determination.

When the dust settled, it was novice Andrew Davis, fresh from some impressive triathlon performances this month, who emerged at the top of the hill in the fastest time of 71.3 seconds, less than one second ahead of Martin Pettit who was timed in 71.6 seconds.

Perennial winner in the masters division Vic Ball took third in 73.5 seconds. All three riders took honours in their respective categories.

The event marked the end of another busy season for the sport which has seen Kris Hedges continue in the steps of Hubbard by putting Bermuda on the world cycling map, having finished fourth in the B World Championships in China earlier this year as well as securing the Caribbean Cycling Championships Time Trial title last Saturday in Aruba.