second place of the Ospedetali Criterium in Bordigeira, Italy, yesterday in leading his Monaco team to their first victory of the season. It was also Hubbard's finest showing of the season.

The strong performance enables Hubbard to claim for the first time Category One Amateur/Semi-Professional status.

Hubbard broke away from the pack early on to emerge as an early leader of the 10-lap, 70-kilometre criterium, which had 75 riders participating.

Surprisingly, Hubbard even finished ahead of team-mate Martin Aoun, a professional, who also rides for the Monaco team.

Riding at an average speed of 42 kms an hour, Hubbard continues to improve weekly on the European circuit. Last weekend he helped Monaco to their first-ever medal -- a silver -- at the Olympic Games of Small European Countries.