Members of Bermuda's cycling fraternity are in shock following the death of top US sportswoman, Nicole Reinhart.

Reinhart, who had been due to arrive on the Island yesterday in readiness for the start of the CD&P Grand Prix on Thursday, was killed while racing at the weekend.

The Team Saturn rider was taking part in the BMC Software Grand Prix in Arlington, Massachusetts when the accident happened.

She was attempting to complete a four-race sweep of the BMC Grand Prix and earn the $250,000 on offer to any man or woman who achieved the feat.

Reinhart was in the leading group on the last lap of the race when she crashed on a descent.

It would appear she hit a pothole and after trying to right herself, struck a tree head on before colliding with a curb.

She could not be resuscitated at the scene and was pronounced dead at hospital. The mens race was cancelled out of respect.

Greg Hopkins, Bermuda's national cycling coach, paid tribute.

"We are shocked and saddened by the news,'' he said. "Nicole came to the Grand Prix last year and made some good friends here.

"A loss like this is felt by everyone in the cycling fraternity. Cycling is a very fast and exciting sport and of course all of us involved in it accept that there are risks involved -- however the percentage of deaths in the sport is extremely low. We all feel very sad for Nicole's family and team-mates.'' Reinhart's friends who form the US cycling team at the Sydney Olympics were also coming to terms with her death.

The Olympians honored their friend by wearing the name "Nicole'' on their helmets. "I found out this morning. It was a big blow to me,'' said Marty Nothstein, among the favorites in the sprint. "Nicole was a close friend. She was a very talented rider. We lost a good one.'' Nothstein added: "I've said this before. It's a difficult sport. It's a dangerous sport. You can reach some very high speeds on a bicycle. One small move can end up fatal. Nicole is the latest tragedy in a dangerous sport.'' The Conyers, Dill and Pearman Grand Prix begins on Thursday night with the showcase event, the CD&P Classic.

For the first time it will feature a race for the top women around the streets of Hamilton, as well as the more usual men's race.

The events start alongside the flag pole on Front Street, travel around the `birdcage' back along Front Street, turn left up Burnaby Street and then right into Reid Street. Competitors then head along Court Street and back onto Front Street.

Women race for 30 minutes and men for 45 minutes.

See CD&P Grand Prix Special inside, pages 31-33.

Nicole Reinhart: top rider died in collision with tree.