Members of Bermuda Bicycle Association (BBA) are fearful their sport could die if a decision on the base lands is not made soon.

Association spokesman and reigning Bermuda Grand Prix champion Greg Hopkins yesterday expressed concern for the future of cycling, following the news that riders had been locked out of the United States Naval Air Station in St.

David's as of July 1.

Already scrapped has been this Sunday's scheduled race as well as two other planned events due to the lack of an alternative venue.

However, rather than those events, Hopkins' main concern is for next year and beyond, with the BBA only able to host two races -- out of a total of 18 -- outside of the base lands because of the 35 kph speed limit enforced on Bermuda's roads.

Government has not made a final decision on what will become of the base properties once they are handed over on September 1, although many local sporting bodies have voiced their desire for the Naval Annex at Southampton to be converted into an entertainment complex, housing various sporting and other activities.

"As far we're (BBA) concerned, after (September 1) we're still not sure what will happen, we're still waiting for official confirmation from Government or whoever is taking over as to whether we will be allowed to resume use of the base,'' said Hopkins, who expressed appreciation to the navy for their cooperation over the years in providing a place to race virtually uninhibited.

"At the moment the whole sport is in limbo as we have no alternative venue for events...cyclist don't have a sport at this point.'' Also of concern to Hopkins is a burgeoning junior programme initiated last year, which has grown tremendously, with six young riders due to travel to England next month to participate in a cycling clinic.

With nowhere to race, another positive outlet for these youth would be closed, said Hopkins.

The latest moves follow similar ones made last year when the Southampton Annex was closed.

Lieutenant commander Mark Buskin defended the move by the navy to close its gates, saying that it had been agreed by the two parties when the BBA presented their racing schedule back in January that the use of facilities could not be guaranteed beyond July 1.

Cited were the navy's lack of manpower and a desire to keep the Clearwater Beach area clear for base personnel.

"The reasons were,'' stated Buskin, "number one, we don't have the security people to control traffic -- we only have a person at the gate -- and number two, the only thing open for base personnel now is the beach.

"And for morale purposes the commander decided we would not let anything come between that.

"Also, we're extremely busy now, packing things and shipping them out and we really don't have time for that sort of thing now, it's not one of our priorities.'' Meanwhile, Minister of Management and Technology Grant Gibbons was non-committal as to whether the cyclists would be allowed back once control of the land reverts to Government.

Gibbons explained that many options were being weighed and that he had been in consultation with representatives from various sporting and other groups seeking homes for their activities, some of which were competing against each other.

"We'll do our best to accommodate them, but I can't commit now,'' said Gibbons. "There are a number of possibilities, but it would be premature to say at the moment what will happen, as there are other competing needs as well. Needs of the community and economic needs.'' Hopkins would like to see an entertainment complex and he noted that this idea appeared to be favoured by those who attended a recent public meeting to discuss the future of the base lands.

"There are so many sports on the Island that depend on the base as a venue and the area just seems ideal for it,'' he said.

GREG HOPKINS -- `the whole sport is in limbo.'