Bermuda's top cyclists are brimming with confidence as they gear up for their one shot at a lifetime dream this weekend: going to the Olympics.

Geri Mewett, Wayne Scott and Kent Richardson will be aiming to help the Island's ace rider, Kris Hedges, finish in the top 15 of tomorrow's men's road race at the World B Championships in Switzerland.

Meanwhile, Melanie Claude and Julia Hawley - fresh from team gold medals at the Island Games - will be fighting to be among the first nine women to cross the line, thereby booking a trip to Athens next summer.

"We rode really well in Guernsey so we're very confident in our riding right now. We've been riding and racing really well and I think we have as good a chance as anyone else on Sunday (tomorrow) and we're going for one of the nine spots," said Hawley.

"I think it's going to be very, very hard. There's no doubt about it. The competition is really going to be difficult."

Having ridden the course twice yesterday, the 39-year-old noted "there's a good little climb . . . not so long and so severe but it's going to be a challenge".

Claude, rebounding from a recent crash, expressed some concern about the unknown factor though thrilled with her present form.

"Not knowing who we are riding against makes it hard to know our chances . . . I am certainly pleased with my performance in Guernsey. I am feeling better from the crash. I am not sure I am at 100 percent yet but I am hoping that by Sunday I will be. I felt pretty good in the last road race so it's a good indication that I'm still in good form.

"We scoped out the course and it's kind of challenging but Julia and I have done a lot of preparation and the way our results have been going I think we will do quite well. We just have to stay focused and get the rest that we need," said the 41-year-old.

Hedges, the Island's main hope, is banking on his team-mates' assistance as well as favourable tactics to aid his quest.

"I'm looking for a long break. I tend to ride well in long breaks. Last time in China (2001 World Bs) I was in a long break about 90 miles out and just recently at the collegiate nationals again. That tends to be my strength.

"Whether they will let something go early on that's the question."

Identifying the field as the strongest he has ever seen at World Bs, the 23-year-old noted the presence of more smaller teams could mean "a lot more individual races are going to be going on" and that teams may not defend breaks as much as usual.

"This race has an interesting dynamic with these 15 (Olympics) spots involved. That's what everybody is going for. It's an extremely sensitive dynamic and I don't know what to expect," he conceded.

Given the sizeable field - between 120 to 150 riders in the men's event - he anticipates the first few laps will be very hectic and, with some narrow roads, that could be "a deciding factor early on".

"Hopefully, these guys can support me and we can pull out a result but it's not going to be easy," said Hedges.