spinning his wheels in search of a new team.

A change in leadership at a government-run sports `super fund' organisation has resulted in the termination of sponsorship for Hubbard's cycling team, Mimosa Sprint Mandelieu in France, causing it to go bust and suddenly leaving the Bermudian with an uphill climb as he searches for a new team.

Repossessed were all of the team vehicles and equipment, leaving Mimosa as a skeleton organisation to struggle their way through the remainder of the season.

Placed in sudden jeopardy is also Hubbard's participation at the World Amateur Championships in Colombia later this year and the 1996 Summer Olympics for which he had been keenly preparing for. But the 21-year-old appeared determined to do all within his power to ensure that he would be adequately prepared.

Still, he could not hide the shock and disappointment of his sudden `unemployment', describing his own feelings of helplessness and that of his seven Mimosa team-mates.

"Tragedy is a good word for it,'' said Hubbard yesterday in a telephone interview. He has spent the past three years working his way up the cycling ladder around the Cote d'Azur region.

"I've just been here spinning in circles, trying to scrape up any opportunity I can (to join another team).

"It's been a rough week mentally, I've had trouble sleeping and stuff with me wondering where my career is going. The waiting is tough, I've put out feelers to all my contacts, but most of the responses so far have been negative and a lot of it revolves around my not being French.

"The (Mimosa) team is actually going to try and finish the season on a shoestring budget, doing a limited number of races, but with me trying to compete in the World Championships in October that's not going to be enough for me.'' Just over two weeks ago Hubbard impressed with a first place finish in the 50-kilometre Exhibition Piste-Star event and followed that with a third at the Prix St. Laurent Du Var encompassing 155 kilometres.

Still, hindering Hubbard's chances of latching on with another team in France is the rule preventing more than two non-French riders to a team. And with most already at the limit -- combined with this being mid-season -- the Bermudian was not overly optimistic.

Also not helping is a similar collapse of a neighbouring Toulon team which has left its 15 members searching for new homes diminishing Hubbard's options even further.

He has given himself a maximum of four days to link up with another European outfit and if unsuccessful he said he would return home and further investigate the possibility of tackling the United States circuit where he has already made contact with teams in Vermont and Pennsylvania.

The drawback with regard to the American circuit, according to Hubbard, is the inferior standard of competition compared to that in Europe, although the gap is said to be closing as the popularity of the sport increases.

"Europe is highly regarded, but my objective right now is to race on a regular basis at least until the end of the season and then maybe try to secure a place in Europe,'' he said.

If a foray to North America is in the cards Hubbard could well link with another Bermudian MacInnis Looby, who currently trains and races in the US with an aim of eventually achieving professional status.

Elliott Hubbard