a whisker in Sunday's gruelling 55-mile cycle race.

Both category two riders were given the same time -- two hours, 29 minutes, 28 seconds -- but Millington was credited with winning the fifth Bermuda Bicycling Association race of the season.

Strong winds at Southside, St. David's and 32 draining hills in the 18 laps took their toll as the race turned into a small breakaway battle for honours.

A field of nearly 50 riders started and around 30 of them hung together in front over the first three laps in a cautious start.

By midway through the race, the leading group had been whittled down to around 15, until in-form Greg Hopkins, second in the previous week's race, blasted off the front at the start of the toughest climb and by the time he reached the top, only Eccles and Millington had responded.

The trio were eventually joined by Jason Krupp, but with five laps to go an uphill break by Millington left Krupp unable to respond and reduced the lead group to three.

Hopkins was left trailing by the other two after Millington attacked again on the final hill and the Englishman's superior sprint power on the finishing straight was enough for him to pip Canadian Eccles.

Hopkins came third, in 2:30:06, with Mike Lee fourth in 2:34:45.

Vance Stevens, having just returned from a European cycling trip, was a clear winner in the category two, 15-lap race, in 2:08:16.

But the best ride of the day came from the second placed rider in category two, Melanie Claude (2:11:52), who at the start of the season elected to race against the men. Tim Miller took third in 2:12:05.

Vic Ball was equally impressive in the veterans category. Having fought neck-and-neck with Jim Butterfield all season, he enjoyed a comprehensive win this time, in 2:08:15, more than four minutes clear of his rival.

Andy Kain edged out Jahdal Williams in the closest finish of the day to take the novices category, after both were given the same time, 1:54:10 in their 13-lap race.

Laurie Orchard followed up her triathlon win on Saturday with victory in the women's division, while Justin Simons recorded his first win in the 15-16 boys.

Other winners were Roy-Allan Burch (13-14 boys), Tyler Abbott (11-12 boys), Laura Ruse (10-and-under girls) and Raishun Burch (10-and-under boys).