Elliott Hubbard is back in business.

Armed with a new team, Hubbard can once again set his sights on competing in the World Amateur Championships in October while continuing his quest to attain professional status.

The lifeline -- an invitation to join the Tri-State Velo team based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania -- came just days after Hubbard had given up hope of being picked up by another team in France and had decided to return home.

Playing vital roles in getting a team for Hubbard were Bermuda Bicycle Association (BBA) president Jeff Payne along with reigning Bermuda Grand Prix champion Greg Hopkins and Hubbard's father Ken.

As opposed to last week when a sombre Hubbard talked of a career in doubt, yesterday found the 21-year-old in understandably high spirits.

"I'm definitely relieved to have a new team, because it was just so hard to remain motivated not knowing where my career was going,'' said Hubbard, who is due to depart for Philadelphia on Sunday after a week-long stay on the Island.

"I was pleased that this opportunity came so quickly and means that I won't lose my fitness. I haven't raced for three weeks and I'm anxious to get back on the scene so that I don't lose my edge.'' Hubbard has been training here, riding up to 120 kilometres each day, but said that this was not nearly enough for him to be a force at the Worlds in Colombia.

His dilemma came about as a result of the collapse of the Mimosa Sprint Mandelieu team which went under after their main sponsor withdrew funding.

And with teams in France limited to two expatriate riders it became impossible for Hubbard to join another side at this stage of year.

Hubbard has been included on Velo's first category squad.

The team recently sent several members of their second category team to Bermuda during the four-day Bermuda Grand Prix and had one of their riders, Bob Schuler, win two event stages.

In moving to the US circuit Hubbard was anticipating a slightly lower standard than in Europe, but he was taking nothing for granted.

"I really don't know what to expect,'' he said. "I talked to some Americans over in Europe and they said that it was definitely a lower standard and if so that could improve my chances of getting noticed.

"Still it's something I have to experience for myself...just go there and see what I can do.'' Hubbard said that his aim was to return to Europe next season.