Determined not to cancel any races completely this season, the One Communications MTB Race Series has amended its calendar.

Having started the season at the Arboretum last November, the series was halted because of government restrictions that limited gatherings to 20 people owing to a spike in Covid-19 cases on island.

As a result, the second race of the series, scheduled to be held at the old Casemates prison facility in Dockyard on December 13, was postponed.

Despite cycling remaining in phase one of sport’s return, guidelines outlined by the Ministry of Health and restrictions remaining in place, the series has adjusted its calendar, including reinstating the previously postponed race.

That optimism means the series will host its full complement of seven races with a scheduled restart slated for January 31 at Southlands. Because of the adjustment, three races will be held in February, with two more in March, including the Casemates race.

“This will make for a busy February and March but contemplates keeping all seven events and locations in the race season,” said Peter Dunne, the president of the Bermuda Bicycle Association.

When racing resumes, Alexander Miller holds the early advantage in the Male Open 60-Minute category, having finished as clear winner in the series opener, with 13 laps completed in a time of 1hr 54sec.

However, he will remain wary of the threat of Alan Potts, who finished second, and close friend and main rival Liam Flannery, who was in contention for victory until a snapped chain on the twelfth lap resulted in him settling for third.

Nico Davis will be aiming to build on an impressive opening victory in the Open Male 30-Minute race, ahead of Alec Shepherd and Jonanthan Betts, while Jennifer Wilson seized the early initiative in the Female Open 30-Minute race, prevailing ahead of Caroline Wright and Christine Soutter.