Bermuda cyclist McInnis Looby is finding the going tough during his latest trip to California.

The defending Heritage Day race champion won't be back for this year's May 24 race, instead concentrating his efforts on the US west coast where he is training and racing with some of America's best.

But he does intend returning for this summer's Grand Prix by which time he hopes the hard work in California will be paying off.

Since travelling to the US some six weeks ago the lanky Bermudian has competed in two events with little success.

On Sunday he was forced to withdraw from a gruelling 80-mile road race on a course with plenty of hills.

A 30-mile road race the previous weekend saw Looby perform better, although again he wasn't completely satisfied with his result.

In a field of 82 riders in which the leaders finished in a bunch, Looby placed well back in 55th position. One of his team-mates placed fifth.

"Sunday was a tremendous disappointment for me when I had to withdraw,'' said Looby during a telephone interview yesterday. "But I am going to work hard in order to get myself physically prepared for these races which are very competitive.

"My first race two weeks ago was better, but to follow that up with a failure to finish was something that I didn't expect.'' Looby admitted his big problem was competing against riders who are currently at their peak while he remains some way from being fully fit.

However, his team manager, American Bill Best, is working closely with Looby on improving his fitness.

"That's one bit of encouragement that I have seen since arriving here,'' added Looby. "The manager has raced all over Europe for several years and he is very experienced. He feels that once I get into top shape and show a little more patience my performances will improve.'' The Bermudian hopes to remain active over the next few months by completing at least two races each weekend.

"I intend to slug it out with these guys so that by the time the Bermuda Grand Prix comes around I will be near peak form and be capable of being really competitive,'' he said.

McInnis Looby: still fighting to get fully fit.