Bermuda's top cyclists are up against incredible odds even before they get on the track at the World B Championships in Switzerland.

A regulation that prevented Geri Mewett from competing in the last World Bs - in China two years ago - has now apparently been changed and that means Bermuda and other countries with amateur riders will have to line up against professionals at this year's meet.

That, says president of Bermuda Bicycle Association (BBA) Danielle Bezant, is because the sport's world-governing body, the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), has indicated that Trade Three riders can participate in the World Bs, an Olympic qualifier.

However, the BBA is challenging this as UCI's rule book clearly stipulates that all Trade teams (the three levels of pro cyclists) are barred from the World Bs. Initially, only Trade One and Two were prohibited but that changed just before the last World Bs and Mewett - then a Trade Three rider - was caught out.

"Geri was not allowed to ride two years ago when we took the group to China because he was part of a Trade Three team. We got wind earlier this year that the Canadians were sending riders who are part of Trade Three teams," said Bezant.

"I spoke with the Canadians and they confirmed this and I sent an official complaint to the UCI, stating the rule and our position and that we had had this situation with Geri. Weeks later I got a one-line e-mail response saying `Trade Three teams will be allowed to ride, this (the ineligibility rule) only applies to Trade One and Trade Two teams'.

"Their rule book is very clear that you cannot belong to `a Trade team' and the rules are up on their website. They have not said that the rule has changed but just that it does not apply to Trade Three teams."

"How can the rule not have changed but it be okay for Trade Three team members to ride?" queried Bezant.

"I am very clear on what the rule says. I've read it. I've had others read it just to make sure I am not interpreting it incorrectly. It says a rider belonging to a Trade team may not take part in World Bs. That means any Trade team - not just Trade One or Two."

The three-tiered Trade categories range from the highest class of pro riders - such as those who compete in the Tour de France - to those now making their way in the pro ranks and being paid to do so.

Bezant argued the spirit of the World Bs is being compromised and probably because of its status as an Olympic qualifier.

"Everybody is lobbying for these Olympic spaces. There are 15 male spots and nine female spots. This is the only way for many of us small countries to get into the Olympics. That is the spirit of the World Bs.

"The whole concept of the World Bs is to allow less-developed countries or countries that don't have huge cycling programmes to get a rider into the Olympics. This is why I think all these other countries are trying to get their best riders into World Bs.

"But that will change the tone of the races. If you put these more experienced Trade Three riders in there they can change a race. It's such a tactical and team sport that it could skew the results," noted the BBA head.

Apart from Canada, the other leading countries which will benefit from this twist in regulations are Japan, China and Hong Kong.

"I have been through the preliminary list of the riders attending World Bs with my executive and we have found 23 male riders and five female riders who should not be allowed to ride. Out of a team of nine from China we deem seven of them ineligible," revealed Bezant.

She pointed out that some of the Canadians slated to compete belong to Team Saturn - the leading Trade Three team - which would give them an advantage over their rivals.

"Before China they changed the rule to say all Trade teams were ineligible. That was where we got caught out with Geri because we knew the old rule and we didn't realise it had been changed.

"Now, it seems they are moving the goalposts on us and I have never even had an official answer to my letter which I sent back in March - just that one-line e-mail.

"I have done everything - sent it by fax, e-mail, Fedex. They have definitely got my letters. They can't say they didn't receive it."

Bezant admitted these developments had been disappointing for the Bermudian contingent which leaves this week for the Island Games in Guernsey before going to the World Bs which begin on July 5.

"They are aggrieved. They have worked their hearts out to get to this point and this is their bid to try and get to the Olympics. This is what most athletes are working their way towards.

"Then to find out that the world-governing body has moved the goalposts on you is very disheartening."

In addition, she noted it was unfair that talented Bermudian cyclists had "denied themselves opportunities" to be Trade Three riders only to have others who have gained financially from such alliances be allowed in the World Bs.

"We specifically instructed all of our riders not to join any Trade teams if they intended racing in World Bs. So our riders have made decisions in their careers to not join these teams because this - World Bs and the Olympics - was so important to them. That's not right."

The BBA's next move is to lodge a formal complaint with UCI, citing the riders and countries that will benefit unfairly if Trade Threes are allowed to compete. They are also considering appealing to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) on the matter.

"We think we should involve the Olympic Committee because these are Olympic spots we're talking about. Our goal is to get a fair chance for all our riders.

"You kind of feel `How can I fight Canada, Japan and Hong Kong?' All I can do is give it my best and fight for our riders who have worked hard and who deserve a fair chance."

Bezant said the BBA would also be seeking legal advice on the issue and would consult with other national cycling associations.

Some countries, she noted, are not sending their Trade Three riders and she surmised that they "have read the rule as we have read it".

Meanwhile, Bermuda's cycling contingents to both the Island Games and the World Bs will have a new national coach travelling with them.

Philippe Mauduit arrived on the Island recently and has been working hard with the national squad, getting them in shape for the tough competition.

Bezant said the Frenchman - a former professional rider and a qualified coach - was assigned to Bermuda by the UCI.

"He will be here for about five months and while his priority, at the moment, is the elite riders he will be working with all cyclists.

"Upon his return from Small Islands and World Bs, he will be setting up programmes for all riders," said Bezant.