almost turned Sunday's national time trial cycling championships at Clearwater Beach into a lottery.

At least seven of the 40 riders suffered punctures, including all three leading women, and while most recovered to finish the event, the smashed glass played a significant role in the final outcome.

An angry Bermuda Bicycle Association president Jeff Payne, who finished second overall to MacInnis Looby, blasted those who littered the course, which he noted had been clear of debris for the previous day's junior triathlon.

"The glass was everywhere. We did our best to sweep it clear before the race but it was just impossible to pick it all up.'' Nothing, however, could be taken away from Looby's victory as he completed the 27.6 mile course in one hour, seven minutes and 36 seconds, almost two minutes up on veteran Payne (1:09.20) who in turn was more than a minute faster than third-placed Neil de Ste Croix (1:10.37).

Young Trevor Hedges, at 19 one of Bermuda's most exciting cycling prospects, might have given Looby a closer race had he not hit a pot-hole after four of the six laps, dislodging his chain and forcing him to retire. At the time of the mishap, Hedges was a few seconds up on Looby.

Brother Kris Hedges, meanwhile, was the fastest over an 18.4 mile course as he won the Junior Two category in 48.28, ahead of Jonathan Herring (54.04).

Among the five women, who also competed over 18.4 miles, Melanie Claude scored a convincing win as she clocked 50.41 compared to second-placed Julia Hawley's time of 53.50. Linda Dillon placed third in 53.59.

With Payne competing in the Open division, Mel Bennett took advantage to steal victory among the veterans with a time of 1:13.51, ahead of Steve Petty (1:17.25) and Jim Butterfield (1:17.51).

Adam Petty led the junior boys over a 9.2 mile course in 31.26 with sister Allison taking junior girls honours in 33.30.

Results -- see Scoreboard