Hubbard, attempt to break his Hill Climb Challenge record on Sunday -- and the American-based professional didn't disappoint.

Hubbard, back home on a rare visit, delivered the goods when he clipped a full second off the record he set two years ago, completing the 700-metre Southampton Princess climb in 56.62 seconds.

The 25-year-old Navigators pro was riding with only the record in mind as organisers had agreed his would be an exhibition appearance only and would not count in the main competition.

As such, MacInnis Looby, who rode with Hubbard in the recent Kuala Lumpur Commonwealth Games, comfortably retained his title with a time of 1:04.78, beating a field of 45 riders.

While Hubbard remains the only rider to have completed the climb in under a minute, and his record is now likely to stand for several years, his wasn't the only impressive performance, with Looby, in particular, showing good form.

After 15-year-old Tyler Butterfield set the mark as the first cyclist on the hill with a 1:08.47 clocking, rider after rider fell short of that time which held up until the last few competitors entered the course.

The first to beat Butterfield's mark was Duncan Simons who recorded an impressive 1:07.16. Next came one of the pre-race favourites, Earl Godfrey, second place finisher last year.

But, after a fast start, his chain came off, throwing him to the ground. Then, after being allowed a restart, Godfrey again met with problems as while powering up the hill he pulled his foot out of the pedal, dashing his chances of victory.

Finally Looby got the opportunity to make his mark which he did by taking the line in 1:04.78 for his second straight victory.

In the veterans category, Vic Ball again led the over-40s as he beat out Peter Eccles and Paulo Medeiros. They recorded times of 1:11.33, 1:17.96 and 1:19.59 respectively.

Georgia Belboda, better known for her road running, overcame 1996 champion Dorann Simons in the women's field while other category winners were Maria Duffy in the veteran females and Chris Bennett in the boys 15-16 years.

In the closest race of the day, Roy-Allan Burch beat out Shannon Dyer and Brian Steinhoff in the 13-14 age group. The three riders were separated by less than a second in 1:21.84, 1:22.11 and 1:22.12 respectively.

Adam Petty was a clear winner in the boys 11-12 and Timothy Fox the winner in the boys 9-10 years. Marc Smith took honours in the boys 7-8 and Flora Duffy in the junior girls division.

The second Conyers, Dill and Pearman Elliot Hubbard Junior Cycling Clinic is scheduled for Monday, November 9 from 10 a.m. to 4.00 p.m. in Dockyard.

The free clinic, presented by Dave Carlsen and Sue Scully with a special appearance from Hubbard, will be free and open to children aged 8-12. To register, call Terri Durrant at 295-0008 by Friday, November 6.

Photos by Ras Mykkal KING OF THE MOUNTAIN -- Professional rider Elliot Hubbard turns up the heat as he races to a new hill climb record at the Southampton Princess on Sunday.

Hubbard, however, was riding only in an exhibition as MacInnis Looby (below) successfully defended the title he won a year earlier.