grasp in four attempts -- the annual Heritage Day Race from Somerset to Hamilton.

Winner of the Front Street Sprint this year, the 29-year-old Packwood was yesterday thrilled to have conquered the prestigious race, shouting in triumph at the end: "I won because I wanted it the most.'' Only a year ago Packwood was battered and bruised after being involved in an accident with Mike Lee just before the finish. He was beginning to think that luck was not on his side as far as this particular race is concerned.

But his time came yesterday when he turned recorded a time of 26:25, beating Damian Wilson into second (26:27) while Clark Tear was third. Carlos DeSilva won last year in 27:35.

It has been a long wait for Packwood, who is sponsored by Soft Pro Systems Services. He has placed second twice, fourth once and crashed last year when victory was so close.

"I knew my time would come,'' he said after winning. "I have been nothing but a contender each year I have entered, this time I finally did it. Things just came together for me at last.'' The race was tight throughout with all of the prominent riders involved in a battle for honours in a large front pack. On various occaions Tear, Wilson, Lee, Vance Stevens and Kevin Topple were among those forging ahead even though it was for brief spells.

"The race really developed at the foot of the Lane with about 12 riders involved. Tear attacked as we headed towards the new road on Front Street, Stevens followed with me in hot pursuit and then the others,'' said Packwood.

"Later on Front Street Earl Godfrey made a surge, which was a good move, and we all went after him.'' At the birdcage as the cyclists entered Queen Street, Packwood made the turn wide but came out of his approach good and was able to make considerable gain on everybody as they entered Church Street.

It was opposite of the bus terminal that Packwood made his most significant move, which was to speed by Tear.

"I knew the race was mine then. I made the turn on to Cedar Avenue and breezed home to win it,'' recalled Packwood.

Second-placed Wilson said that he was working tactically along with his team-mates from Club Crossroads Bermuda.

"Mike Lee did most of the work for us while I just stayed among the middle of the mid-pack. At the birdcage I too made my move and passed a few riders before we reached the bus depot,'' said Wilson.

"Once Packwood made the turn onto Cedar Avenue I knew he had it,'' said Wilson, who was fourth last year and just two seconds behind the winner this time.

BUBBLY SINCLAIR -- Sinclair Packwood celebrates his first Heritage Day victory Day in four attempts.