Bermuda's top cyclist Elliot Hubbard set a new course record as he cruised to his first victory of his professional season in the US.

On a 105-mile course suited to his hill-climbing strengths, Hubbard became the first man to break five hours in the St. Michael Mountain Challenge in South Carolina.

Hubbard's time of four hours, 55 minutes obliterated the former record of 5:03 set by Tour de France rider George Hincapie last year.

The race started in Spartanberg and finished high up on Mount Mitchell, at the highest point on the US east coast.

Hubbard is coming into form as he prepares to represent Bermuda in the Pan-American Games in Winnipeg, Canada, in less than two months' time.

And his record-breaking achievement came despite having no prior experience of the course.

"I had never ridden it before, but I was told that the last 30 miles were all uphill,'' said Hubbard.

"So all the time I was thinking about economising my efforts and leaving some strength for the end.

"I had a feeling I could beat the record because I've raced against George on many occasions. He's stronger than me on the flats, but not going up the hills.

"My main goal was to win the race, but when someone told me I was on record pace, it was a real boost. The record was the icing on the cake for me.

"Breaking the record has got to be a good sign. I felt powerful and more like a climber than I have done all season.'' Riding for his New Jersey-based team Navigators, Hubbard started the season with a double bout of flu after the Redlands Classic in February and the illness left him unable to train at full steam for a month.

Since then he has managed several top 10 finishes, including one third place, but it has largely been a case of playing catch-up with opposing riders after the setback to his training.

"When you've been out for a while like that, it's difficult when you get back in the saddle and race -- you find you've got behind,'' said Hubbard.

"I always tend to ride better late in the year and I'm now looking to peak for the Pan-Ams.

"The course for the Pan-Ams seems pretty flat this year and my chances of medalling would be stronger if it was hillier. It could mean I have to take a few risks to do well, but that's racing, sometimes you have to put something on the line.'' Navigators are enjoying a good season, but they have just lost one of their top riders Trent Klasner who fell badly in a crash and broke his collar bone.

Hubbard is now setting his sights on his biggest event before the Pan-Ams, the First Union Grand Prix, comprising three events in three days culminating in the US Professional Cycling Championship in Philadlephia on June 1.

The first American over the line in the 165-mile contest will be national champion, but Hubbard felt the course would not suit him as well as Mount Mitchell.

"There is a steep climb we have to make 10 times on the circuit, but if it was a bit hillier it would be more to my liking,'' he added.

Pedal power: Elliot Hubbard stormed to his first pro victory of the year, smashing George Hincapie's race record in the process.