Up and coming cyclist Dominique Mayho is being tipped as Bermuda's next star in the sport.

At the recent Bermuda Bicycle Association's Annual Awards Dinner, the youngster received the Junior Rider of the Year trophy for the 2009 season.

And among his admirers is former top professional Graeme Miller, who until recently was a resident in Bermuda.

Miller, renowned for his tenacity and finishing speed, took Mayho under his wing during the time he was here and was quick to recognise the rider's potential.

"Dominique has a great future. I have never trained with someone new to cycling and seen them improve so much in such a short period of time," said Miller.

Another admirer is former national coach Greg Hopkins who has been impressed by the Berkeley Institute student's rapid improvement.

Hopkins, who has watched many of Bermudas top rider's progress from the junior category to go on to represent the Island at the most of the major sporting festivals including the Olympic Games, said: "Observing Dominique throughout the year I see the same desire to learn and to progress as I did in Elliot (Hubbard) Kris (Hedges) Geri (Mewett) and Tyler (Butterfield).

"He loves to win but is prepared to lose which is a valuable asset in a sport that can see even the most talented rider not always win because it can be a very tactical sport.

"Dominique is like a sponge right now, absorbing every bit of information he can to improve. He is in a good place with Team Madison. They are taking care of his progress and keeping him grounded. He has what it takes to do well for himself and Bermuda in cycling."

Hopkins added: "A few weeks ago I managed to gap him in a ride and went for the line. Dominique looked at me as he blew past me and with a big smile on his face as if to say, 'not today old man'.

"He has the full package, ability, desire and just as importantly he is clearly having fun with it.

"As well as that he fully understands he has a lot to learn and is not letting the attention go to his head. He plans to be patient and wants to be in for the long haul."

Mayho emerged from Bermuda Bicycle Association's Schools programme, spearheaded by BBA president Peter Dunne.

In his first full season he stepped up from the junior category and could have continued racing in the adult 'B' category.

But now he is about to progress to the 'A' category against all of the top riders in Bermuda, and while many in the BBA believe that initially he might have to take more of a back seat so far as victories are concerned compared to last year, he will eventually not only be in the thick of the action but at the fore.

"In a sport where experience, strength and durability are key factors to success, Dominque is quickly learning how to maximise those factors," said Hopkins.