within Bermuda Bicycle Association -- president, public relations officer, national coach and, all too often, general dogsbody -- is one that the sport may ultimately rue.

Regardless of what some thought of Hopkins, and there were those who probably believed he wielded too much power within the Association, there can be no denying that it was through his efforts, and often his efforts alone, that cycling in Bermuda has grown to its current level of popularity.

Certainly in the area of public relations, there have been few who could match his enthusiasm or determination.

Elliot Hubbard would likely tell anyone willing to listen that if it wasn't for Hopkins' encouragement and behind-the-scenes work, his professional career may never have flourished. Melanie Claude, who became Bermuda's first female cyclist to enjoy international success this year, is another who has benefited from his passion for cycling.

But more importantly, it has been the sport itself that has gained most from Hopkins' efforts.

Less than 10 years ago, cycling was little more than a recreational sport on the Island.

Now it boasts an annual programme of more than 50 events, embracing novices and juniors as much as it does the seasoned rider, a competent national team that will compete in next month's World B championships in Uruguay and, in the CD&P Grand Prix, an event that has grown into one of the Island's biggest sporting occasions.

Hopkins can't, and wouldn't claim to take all the credit for the sport's surge in popularity.

But whoever steps into his shoes can rest assured his will be a hard act to follow.

*** IT WAS nearing midnight on Tuesday when Dandy Town's Burton Bruce nodded home the winning goal at Somerset to send his team through to the Martonmere Cup final.

Thankfully, although Vasco players and fans probably wouldn't agree, the goal came when it did.

Had it not, that match as with the semi-final before it, would have gone into extra-time and yet again a football double-header would have been extended into the wee hours of the morning -- which, despite what the BFA might say, is no time to be playing football.

We've said it before and it's worth repeating -- night soccer games, particularly in cup competitions, need to start earlier.

Always among the crowd, and sometimes even within the teams, there are those who have to be at school the next morning. No wonder some of them are falling asleep at their desks.

We can think of nowhere in the world where soccer, or for that matter any other team sport, continues so late into the night.

Those matches that currently begin at 7.00 and 9.00 need to be brought forward to 6.00 and 8.00, perhaps 6.15 or 8.15 at latest, ensuring that even with extra-time they can finish at a reasonable hour.

If the BFA are serious about promoting the game as a family sport, they can start by adjusting their timetable.

*** STILL on football, it was interesting to read the BFA statement earlier this week advising that all those members of the national team who had been suspended for reportedly refusing to take a drug test, or providing a second sample, had been reinstated and cleared to play again.

It was noted that a Bermuda Council for Drug-free Sport review panel had deemed that the cases involving an unknown number of players should be "set aside and no further action taken.'' But until a BCDS statement yesterday (see story above) there had been no mention of why this decision was taken.

We were left to wonder whether the drug-testing procedure had been flawed, or whether the players had simply been given a reprieve.

As it turns out, it was a simple technicality that led to the players being cleared.

Couldn't somebody have explained that in the first place? -- ADRIAN ROBSON