Hubbard has made a smooth transition to the more competitive brand of racing featured at Mandelieu and based on early results he is making quite a name for himself on the squad of 15 racers.

The 20-year-old finished an impressive 19th overall in the prestigious St Etienne international race at the weekend, an event in Southern France featuring some of the more formidable cyclists in Europe.

"It was a dream come true,'' said Hubbard yesterday from his apartment.

Hubbard thrived on the mostly mountainous terrain, considered his strong suit, over a gruelling course of 215 kilometres.

The Bermudian has finished in the top 20 in three other races this season -- eighth at the Grand Prix de Auriols three weeks ago, seventh at the Grand Prix de Sollies in early March and 11th at the LaLande in late February.

But the result he is proudest of so far has been the one at St Etienne, which pitted him against some of the toughest racers Europe has to offer.

"The new team has a lot to do with how I'm racing right now,'' said Hubbard.

"We're much more serious at training and with things like diet. "I haven't been out since coming back to France in January. I mean, no one has handcuffed me to the apartment, but it's all very serious. I haven't even been to a movie.'' Hubbard's last few months at his former team, the Union Cycliste de Monaco, were more like a horror flick, and while he is pleased with the progress he made last year, he is even happier with his decision to join Mandelieu.

Along with his new team, where he is the youngest member, Hubbard also credited the hard work he did during the off-season in Bermuda with helping his cause.

He also has a brand new MBK racing bike, which he prefers not to lend to anyone right now.

Hubbard, who shares a small apartment with team-mate Frederick Berlet, spends up to seven hours training each day.

"That's what I did last season, but it was more riding mileage, not quality mileage.'' Last season, Hubbard excelled in events which were mostly inter-regional while the majority of this year's competition is international in scope.

"I've gained quite a bit of confidence,'' he said. "A lot has changed from last season. Once you jump into the deep end you really begin to see where you are compared to other riders.'' Older team-mates have taken Hubbard under their wing, which has made the adjustment even easier.

"It really eases the pressure,'' he said. "They know I'm young and less experienced and they don't expect me to lead the team.'' Former team-mates have been included in some of the races Hubbard has raced this year, so far the best gauge of the progress he has made.

"They're so far behind me,'' he said. "This can be a cruel sport, but I had to move on.'' Hubbard will compete in two events this weekend, one in Italy while the other one will be in France.