weekend, could find the going slightly tougher when Bermuda Bicycle Association stage their road race championships tomorrow.

Hedges' chief rival last week was swimmer-turned-cyclist Geri Mewett who returned from his home in the US.

But both he and Mewett can be expected to be stretched over tomorrow's 70-mile race at Southside where Hedges again defends a title he won a year ago.

BBA president Greg Hopkins said: "There are a couple of factors that have to be considered. Firstly some very focused and motivated locally-based riders will be looking to topple Kris this year.

"Steve Millington, new to the Island, Dayna Henry, Steve Sterritt (second to Hedges last year) and Mike Lee will all present a stiff challenge.

"The unknown factor is the weather. If it is really hot and humid that could prove to be the deciding element over 70 miles of racing.'' While the top riders will be fighting for the various category titles, the BBA will also be staging pee-wee races for children aged five and under and from six to seven.

The youngsters can sign up tomorrow morning before 8.00 o'clock at no charge.