Neil de Ste Croix triumphed in Bermuda Bicycle Association's (BBA) first road race of the season at Southside on Sunday.

The veteran cyclist trailed Mark Hatherley, who won all three pre-season hill climb events, for much of the 31.5 mile race but eventually claimed victory in the Male Open category.

In the Male Intermediate, Greg Hopkins held on for the win, while Jonathan Herring burst from the pack within the final half-mile and took second.

Darren Glasford, followed by Marcelino Ferreira, took the bunch sprint.

Maryellen Goodwin was victorious in the Female Intermediate race, 20 seconds ahead of Kym Burns, Sarah Bonnett and Heather Cooper. In her first ever race, college student Clementine Stubbs came in 25 seconds later followed by Linda Down.

Tab Froud continued his winning ways from 2007 to start the campaign strongly, beating former BBA president Joey Richardson in the Male Citizen competition, which included new riders Colin Murdoch and mountain biker Scott Mello.

A field of 55 riders entered the race, almost half of whom were in junior categories, which bodes well for the upcoming IBC Front Street races.

Molly Pilgrim took a narrow win over close Sophie Froud in the 11-12 girls' group, while Daniel Oatley just edged out Justin Ferreira in the boys 11-12 division.

Daniel's brother, Christian, led the under 10 boys and Somer Froud replicated her father's winning ways in the youngest girls' group.

The next big event on the BBA calendar is the IBC Front Street races on April 20.

This competition includes age group events for children and registration forms can be picked up at Winners Edge, Sportseller or Bicycle Works.