towards his goal of a professional cycling career.

Since returning to France last month, the 19-year-old has positioned himself as the number two rider on his new semi-pro club Monaco International Cycling Team following four solid performances.

Heading the team is Martin Aun of Estonia, formerly a full professional rider, who last year was a member of the United States-based Subaru Montgomery team but has dropped down to the semi-pro category for this season.

"My results have been satisfactory at least,'' said Hubbard. "So far I've only managed to finish in the pack, but hopefully as the season progresses I will be able to place higher up and possibly get a victory.'' Sunday saw Hubbard compete in the Grand Prix of Antibes over a distance of 120 kilometres of mostly flat terrain, which is not his strong suit -- he is known as a mountain rider.

Again Hubbard crossed the line bunched along with several riders, registering a time of three hours, two minutes and 30 seconds for an average speed of 37 kph.

Unofficially his best finish has been around 30th with races containing totals in the region of 150 to 170 cyclists.

Moreover, in each race the Bermudian has placed second among his team-mates to Aun, thus earning him the number two billing.

Nevertheless, the transition from second category amateur to his present status -- first category amateur -- has been enlightening to the enterprising youth, with the standard near that of the fully-fledged professional.

"It's been a big step to make,'' said Hubbard, who still maintains residence in Menton in southern France and at present competes in the Cote d'Azur region. "These guys are really fit. For most of them all they do is ride bikes and have the goal of turning pro.

"At 19, I'm the youngster on the team and although a lot of riders may not be as strong as me they have more experience.

"I'm just trying to gain that (experience) and pick up the tricks of the trade as I go along.'' Aun, already with a few top 10 finishes to his credit, is one who Hubbard is grateful to have as a team-mate and is keeping open eyes and ears in an effort to absorb as much knowledge as possible.

Contrary to where he was the "top gun'' on former team Jolly Club 88, Hubbard now has someone to look up to as well as shoot for.

As indicated, competition has been tough and this has been made more so by the early season influx to the south by several clubs hailing from northern France, known for their prowess on the much more forgiving level courses.

Said Hubbard: "The cream of the crop is down here and it's been mostly flat courses, which is to their advantage.

"As the season moves on there will be a lot of races with mountains and I should do better...I'm more of a climber.'' Hubbard is racing twice weekly at the moment with his next event a 130-km race tomorrow.

As for his goal this year Hubbard said: "One victory for me would be a dream come true in this category.'' ELLIOTT HUBBARD -- In his days with Joyy Club 88.