Bermuda Bicycle Association event on the former St.David's baselands had developed into a two-horse race.

After opening a 45 second lead on the 17-lap (1.7 mile loop) road race, Lee and Hopkins remained side by side at the bottom of the final hill. But when Hopkins attacked, Lee responded strongly to take a deserved victory.

Jason Krupp edged team-mate Stephan Carpentier for third, some 25 seconds back, with Paul Shrubb taking fifth place.

A bumper field of almost 50 riders took part in what was the third event on this year's busy BBA schedule, many of them building up towards the May 1 Grand Prix.

And they were tested by a challenging course which consisted of a long energy-draining hill and tight technical turns, as well as a flat section into a stiff headwind.

With a mass start for all riders except the Junior Three, Junior Two novices and Junior females, the big pack jostled for position on the first of the 17 hills. But after just one lap the field began to break into groups.

At one point Winners Edge riders, Carpentier, Krupp and Carlos DeSilva opened up a gap with Pure Water rider Lee. But they were quickly reeled in by Jeff Payne and Sinclair Packwood.

As the field regrouped, Hopkins again attacked and opened up a lead which could only be matched by Lee, setting the pattern for the rest of the race.

A number of top riders were dropped, including Lee's team-mate Damion Wilson, winner of the recent Front Street Race, while a strong looking Payne was forced out with mechanical problems.

While Lee went on to clinch overall victory, the ever improving Aaron Schindler, in only his second season, looked in top form as he overcame the challenge of Mel Bennett and Neil de Ste Croix in the category three race.

And in a tough Masters category, Merv Van Putten took victory over 13 laps with Jim Butterfield placing second. Another Front Street winner, Vic Ball, could only finish third, a lap down.

Among the novices, Peter Matcham, better known for his mountain bike riding, found the hills to his liking as he beat out two-time winner this season Wayne Scott with Andy Shelp placing third.

Nuri Lathan won in the competitive Junior Two group, outsprinting vets winner Van Putten in the process, while Tyler Butterfield came home second ahead of Andy Simons and Jonathan Herring.

Melanie Claude outduelled Linda Dillon in the ladies category, Alison Petty was first among junior girls, and Michael Dickinson first in the Junior Two novice group.

Adam Petty got the better of team-mate Matthew Herring in the Junior Three category with Geoffrey Smith third.