be challenged in Thursday's Heritage Day event, then Steve Millington and Greg Hopkins should be the riders to look for after dominant performances at the weekend.

In windy conditions during Sunday's road race at Southside, St David's, it was Karl Outerbridge who set the initial pace. He opened up a gap before being joined by Jason Krupp.

However, their lead was shortlived as Millington, Hopkins and Damion Wilson moved alongside the leaders and then turned the pace up another notch.

Wilson was the first to fade and within three laps Millington and Hopkins had broken away and were working efficiently together -- extending their lead on each lap of the 45-minute event.

Outerbridge and Krupp rejoined the main chasing pack of about 15 riders, but despite efforts to pull back the two leaders, the strong wind began to take its toll and it was soon clear it was a two-horse race.

Putting their team allegiances aside on the final straight, it was Hopkins who made the first move with about 200 metres to go.

However, Millington once again displayed his strong sprinting ability as he passed the national coach in the final moments to take his fifth victory of the season. Hopkins' second-place finish was his third this year.

In a bunched sprint for third, youngster Jean Nicholas Bertrand once again showed that in the finishing straight he is a force to be reckoned with as he outsprinted seasoned riders Clarke Tear and Earl Godfrey, to take honours in the Category Three division.

A total of 50 riders have now qualified for this Thursday's big event, with all the top athletes expected to be there.

However, Hedges, who Millington has described as a much stronger rider than he was last year after racing with him in the US last month, will enter the event as a strong favourite to retain the most sought after trophy in local cycling.

But unbeaten this year, Millington will be looking to topple the champion as will 1999 winner Hopkins.

"It is going to take a tremendous effort just to stay with Kris in this race,'' said Hopkins. "But May 24 has always had its fair share of surprises.

I still believe that there are at least five or six riders who could pull it off, it's a very special occasion when riders can excel just because of the day.'' Relatively few riders have won the Heritage Day event, renamed in memory of Sinclair Packwood following his death in 1999. Former winners Carlos DeSilva (1989 and 1991), Mike Lee (1990), Damian Wilson (1996), Hopkins (1999) and Hedges (2000) are all expected to be on the start line.

The other winners are Buddy Ford (1987), Darren Dowling (1988), Sinclair Packwood (1992 and 1993), Whayman Butterfield (1994), Macinnis Looby (1995 and 1998) and Jeff Payne (1997).

Bermuda team member for the World B Championships in China next month, Wayne Scott, won a silver medal at the Regional Championships in Florida on Sunday.