sensation Elliot Hubbard is again peering east toward Europe in search of greener pastures.

One possibility is an outfit operating out of the French city of Metz situated inside the Lorraine province of northern France, where the conditions are harsher than that of Hubbard's previous base in the country's southern region.

Currently one of the Bermudian's former team-mates from the now defunct Mimosa Sprint Mandelieu team is riding for a club in the region and has indicated to Hubbard the possibility of him latching on.

Hubbard is currently in New York undergoing a course in picture framing and could not be reached for comment yesterday. However, his father, Ken, said that it was certainly his son's desire to return to the more competitive east.

"I think he would prefer to be in Europe in preparation for the Olympics because the standard is much higher and teams are stronger,'' said the senior Hubbard, himself a cycling enthusiast. "All the pro riders will be there including the likes of Tour de France champion Miguel Indurain, so the competition in Atlanta is going to be unbelievable.

"The whole scene in Europe is much better, more organised and disciplined than in the States and that is what Elliot wants.'' A potential deal with America's Team Saturn never materialised after director Tom Schuler had all but announced his intention to sign Hubbard. Later revealed as the cause for the group not completing any deal was a stated policy that only allows North Americans to ride in the team.

"I think they led him up the garden path a bit at Saturn,'' said Hubbard, still sounding perturbed at the incident. "It's very tough out there, with many having budgets that are stretched as well as having local boys to consider who are pushing through.'' As a safety blanket there remains Tri State Velo, the Philadelphia-based team that took on the Bermudian following his departure from France, but that appears to be a last option.

Both Hubbard and his parents are keeping their fingers crossed that he can find a new European team before the season commences in January/February .

Elliot Hubbard