Sterritt is set to represent Bermuda in the Commonwealth Games.

As a native of Northern Ireland but a resident of Bermuda for ten of the past 12 years, Sterritt is technically eligible.

He has met the qualifying standards for the September competition, is on the national team and has the support of Bermuda Bicycle Association president Greg Hopkins.

But Sterritt, who carries a British passport, is the first to realise that in Bermuda, this doesn't necessarily translate into a trip to Malaysia.

"I'm not counting my chickens yet,'' said Sterritt, who tomorrow leaves for Ireland and the five-day, 280-mile Tour of the North race.

The final say on who goes belongs to the Bermuda Olympic Association and yesterday president Austin Woods said the BOA would considering submissions from all national governing bodies in July. So long as Sterritt has qualified and has been a resident for three years -- as per Games criteria -- it is likely he will be approved, Woods said.

"Personally, I see no reason why not,'' said Sterritt. "If I was good enough to represent Bermuda in other events, why not the Commonwealth Games? But I'll just have to wait and see.'' Most cycling observers don't think it should even be an issue. Sterritt has actively competed in Bermuda for the past six years, is a two-time national champion and represented Bermuda in the Mini Nations World Cup last summer in Cuba and at the World B Championships in Malaysia last December.

At age 35, Sterritt acknowledges that to wear his adopted country's colours in the Commonwealth Games road race would be the greatest thrill in the sport he loves.

"I've been thinking about this for two years,'' he said. "It's not as though I just woke up on January 1, 1998, and said `Hey, this is a Commonwealth Games year.''' Just ask his employer -- Bermuda Aviation Services, where he works as an engineer. Sterritt credits them for allowing his considerable time off for his numerous events, largely overseas and usually at his own expense.

This will be his second straight appearance in the Tour of the North, which takes place over the Easter weekend and will feature more than 100 top cyclists, including elite, Category I and II. Ironically, he will be racing against the Northern Ireland national team, which has already been picked and is training for Malaysia.

Sterritt has no doubt he could make that team were he so inclined. Not only does he want to prove that to his Irish friends, he also wants to bring back results to show Bermuda.

"It's an important race to me,'' said Sterritt, aiming for a finish in the top 25 percent.

He will no sooner get back then he will be joining the national team for the four-day Bermuda Grand Prix cycling event, expected to draw several top pros from North America and Europe. "It's going to be extra hard this year,'' he said. "Last year was hard, this year is going to really tough.''