men in Bermuda this year, will be putting her talents to the test this week in Quebec, Canada, where she will compete in the 16th edition of the Coupe Des Ameriques Stage Race.

Claude finished third overall in her division in 1997, when she last competed in the event, but based on her performances in 1999 since she started concentrating solely on cycling she can expect better things this time.

Claude has been racing in the men's category 3 in Bermuda and has been rewarded with some impressive results, including a win in the national road race championships last Sunday over 76 miles. That was a much longer and more demanding distance than the longest stage in Quebec of 74 kilometres.

Competition in Canada, which is for male and female veteran riders, starts tomorrow evening when Claude competes in a 13.5k hill climb for veteran women in categories D, E and F. On Saturday there will be a 9.5k time trial in the morning and a criterium in the afternoon before a 74k road race closes out the weekend competition on Sunday morning.

It will be a demanding four stages three days of competition but national coach Greg Hopkins feels Claude is up to it.

"Melanie has been extremely dedicated this year and totally focused on her cycling,'' said Hopkins.

"I am sure she will do very well in Quebec and the international experience will do a lot for her confidence. Not only is her fitness level high but her tactical awareness is improving with every race.'' Claude is looking forward to the opportunity to test herself against some top riders from Canada and the United States.

"With the training I've been doing this year I think I have a good chance of placing quite well. That's basically where I'm going to test myself,'' she said.

"Now that I feel I'm doing well on the Bermuda circuit I'd like to see how I do overseas.''