championships at Clearwater Beach on Sunday when the Island's top riders will challenge the clock in time trials.

In a discipline aptly named "the race of truth'', riders will set off individually in an effort to record the fastest time over the course with one minute intervals separating each competitor.

Top youngster Kris Hedges returned from the US yesterday and will defend the title he won in convincing fashion last year. But he faces a new and stiff challenge in the form of Geri Mewett, the Island's former Olympic swimmer who has now turned his attention to cycling.

Mewett also returned this week from the United States, where he now lives.

Both riders are expected to set a high standard on Sunday but can expect a determined Jonathon Herring to push them as the 16-year-old has already recorded some impressive results this season.

Hedges and Mewett have both been racing extensively overseas and have both enjoyed successful seasons so far. But they will be anxious to impress locally to secure a spot on the Bermuda team scheduled to travel to the World B Championships in Uruguay in November.

In the women's field, Melanie Claude will start as the firm favourite after her outstanding victory in the BBA road race last Sunday. But in an event of this nature, she may have to be wary of top triathlete Laurie Orchard.

The championships, sponsored by the Bank of Bermuda and Spa Water and starting at 8.00 a.m., feature events for all categories of riders from the 10 and under boys and girls up to the open men and women.

BBA president Greg Hopkins said: "The individual time trial is regarded as probably the toughest discipline in cycling. It pits the rider against himself and the clock. There is no hiding in a pack of riders. The winner will be the rider who is strong mentally as well as physically.'' BUMPER FLEET FOR SIHING TOURNEY FSH Bumper fleet for fishing tourney Bermuda's most popular fishing event, the annual Bacardi Rum tournament, will see some 360 anglers in 76 boats take to the water this Sunday.

Entries -- up on last year -- show 20 boats in Class A (amateur over 27 feet), 30 in Class B (amateur up to and including 27 feet) and 26 in Class C (professional).

Fishing begins at 8.00 a.m. and anglers are reminded that each boat can only weigh in their best five fish and each individual their best three fish.

Boats have to be in sight of the weigh-in station at Clock Tower Wharf in Dockyard by 6.30 p.m.

In the event that weather conditions indicate a possible postponement, skippers should call 238-0112 between 5.00 and 8.00 on Sunday morning.