Bermudian Geri Mewett scooped one of the $1,000 primes while Tyler Butterfield enjoyed a top ten finish, but it was Australian Karl Menzies who claimed the honours at last night's Hamilton Criterium.

The first leg of the CD&P Grand Prix proved to be an exciting curtain raiser with a bunch sprint finish in the men's elite race, with last year's winner Richard Downing coming second and Malcolm Elliott third.

With a succession of substantial primes on offer no rider was prepared to sit in the comfort zone, as they were cheered on by a vocal turnout lined along Front Street.

Mewett finished 19th, while Butterfield, riding for SlipStream for the final time, was never out the front pack and was leading going into the final lap before the race sprinters came to the fore.

"I knew I had to be well placed going into the final lap as the guys I was up against were so good," said Butterfield who is set to rejoin his former amateur team Vendee U next season.

"Some of the best criterium riders in the world were on show and it's a strong field. It's always great to race in front of your home support and I was delighted Geri Mewett took one of the primes.

"I was pleased with my race and it helped having the three SlipStream riders with me.

"They're stopping with me and I've been showing them around the Island. One or two have had a few problems getting to grips with the scooters, but they got to the race in one piece!"

Race winner Karl Menzies, from Team Catlin, described the race as one the toughest he had ever competed in.

"It was a frantic pace and I was up against some top cyclists. I'm just happy I managed to get to the line first. I was here last year and Bermuda is a beautiful place and this is an awesome event."

In the elite female race Kelly Benjamin came first, Laura Yoisten, second and Laura Van Guider third. Philip Woolridge won the junior 14-16 race, while Sophie Adams the female equivalent. In the 13-14 group Nathan Amaral crossed the finishing line first, while Molly Pilgrim won the female race. The 8-10 age group saw Justin Ferreira and Courtney Day as the winners. In the open men's veteran Dave Osbourne took the honours and Wendy Ulmer was first in the female race.

Event director Dannielle Bezant added: "I thought it was a brilliant night and I was pleased with the turnout. In the past we've held the race on a Friday but obviously that's a popular night out so Thursday seems to work better.

"I was delighted that Geri Mewitt won one of $1,000 primes and it was good to see Tyler Butterfield in the top ten."

The Grand Prix's next stage, the Lighthouse Challenge begins this evening at 5 p.m.