Bermuda's top rider Kris Hedges powered his way to a silver medal at the Caribbean Cycling Championships in St.Vincent yesterday.

The Snow Valley rider, who captured the event's time trial on Sunday for the third year in succession, had to contend with searing heat, gruelling race conditions and a frantic three-man dash to the finish line to earn a spot on the podium.

Though race details remained sketchy at press time last night, it is believed veteran cyclist Kent Richardson was the next local to complete the 75-mile race course, finishing in 10th place.

Bermuda's Lynn Patchett and Melanie Claude, meanwhile, captured the women's division and a share of gold medal honours after finishing tied for first place in a reduced field consisting of just three competitors.

"Today was definitely the hardest road course, it was very challenging," commented Hedges from St.Vincent last night.

"There were a lot of winding roads and descents and a lot of uphill climbing. The race started off really fast and the uphill climbs were pretty much steeper than anything we have back home."

Hedges managed to keep pace with a small group of riders who broke free from the rest of the field early and remained with them until the mad dash for the finish line where he laid claim to runners-up honours.

Trinidad's Guy Costas captured the gold medal while Robert Marshall grabbed the bronze.

"A lot of riders got shelled early on in the race," added Hedges. "We started the race with 50-plus riders but by the first half lap we were down to about ten or 12 riders in the front. It it was a pretty tough course and everyone rode well."

However, the Bermudian believes he could've done even better in the sprint.

"Sometimes it all boils down to a split second decision," he said.

"But otherwise it was still a testament to the standard of cycling in Bermuda that we all managed to finish today, especially for some of the newer guys in the team.

"I think it was definitely an eye-opener for them as to what really goes on at some of these Caribbean games," said Hedges, who won the bronze medal at last year's road race championships.

"I think I'm getting closer each time in the road race. Last year I placed third and this year I came second. So yes, it's encouraging. Sometimes you can be riding better and not get the desired results because there's just so many other things that can come into play."

Also competing yesterday were Bermuda's Geri Mewett, Andy Kain and Ricky Sousa but their positions and times had not been confirmed at press time.

Hedges' official winning time in Sunday's time trial was 40 minutes and 22.06 seconds. Richardson placed fifth in a time of 44:12.

Patchett's winning time in the time trial was 23:26.75 with Claude second in 24:43.15.