morning as he taught the rest of the Island's top cyclists a lesson with a convincing win in the opening Bermuda Bicycle Association event of the year.

Over 40 riders competed on a tight three-quarter mile loop on the St. David's baselands -- made difficult by a 180-degree turn at the end of the course -- In the main race for Category Two and Three riders which brought together nearly all of the Island's leading cyclists, the action was fast and furious from the gun with veteran Greg Hopkins setting a hot early pace.

But it was soon Sterritt, Mike Lee, Stephan Carpentier and Jason Krupp who broke away from the field, with the pattern for the rest of the one-hour-plus race set as Team Winners Edge riders controlled the main field, allowing the breakaway group to stay in front.

It appeared to be a good plan, only to be foiled by the on-form Sterritt, who used his strength to take advantage of the tight turns. Half way into the race he began to stamp his authority on the breakaway group, pulling away to record a significant victory with Krupp, Lee and Carpentier the next finishers, all one minute 31 seconds back.

In the main field, nine riders were left to fight for the minor placings with Sinclair Packwood, perhaps giving some indication as to his intentions for this Sunday's IBC Sprint Championships, powering to the line to take fifth place.

In the same group, improving teenager Kris Hedges finished seventh overall, completing the same distance as the senior riders to win the Junior One category.

In the Junior Two, Jonathan Herring stayed with the main field, lapping his nearest competitors, Nuri Latham and Andy Simons, in their 45 minutes-plus-a-lap race.

Newcomer Norman Mitchell raised a few eyebrows as he also hung in with the main field. He also took Category Three honours over Aaron Schindler and Rodney Smith, finishing a lap ahead of his rivals.

Among the veterans, Jim Butterfield, showing some of his best form in years, took a clear victory over Vic Ball and Mervin Van Putten. And in the same division among the females, Linda Dillon was a clear winner.

Another newcomer, Wayne Scott, easily won the Novice Division while Allison Petty was the only competitor in the Junior Girls, but still improved on her personal best.

The only accident of the day took place in the Junior Three category. As they entered the bell lap, Matthew Herring lost control and crashed, leaving Adam Petty to coast home.

Herring, injured and his clothing torn, remounted to finish second ahead of Jeff Smith and James Adams.