yesterday, charging that he could not pay $50 for his luggage.

Professional cyclist Elliot Hubbard was booked on Delta's flight 261 to Atlanta but was not allowed on when he was not fast enough with the cash to pay for a box for his bike.

He was dropped off an hour and 45 minutes before the flight by national cycling coach, Greg Hopkins.

An admittedly furious Mr. Hopkins speaking to The Royal Gazette , explained that Mr. Hubbard had forgotten his wallet in his car and although it was returned to him 20 minutes before the flight was to leave, Mr. Hubbard was not allowed on board.

"I am really furious about the way Elliot was treated,'' Mr. Hopkins said.

"He was told that he has to wait and go on the flight on Tuesday. This has delayed for an entire day his plans to rejoin his team in South Carolina.'' Explaining that Delta had flatly refused to charge the $50 to his credit card, Mr. Hopkins described Delta's handling of the incident as "disgusting''.

"This is Bermuda where people know people and I am a legitimate businessman who was prepared to assume responsibility for the cost,'' he said.

While pointing out Mr. Hubbard's contribution to the Island, Mr. Hopkins charged that Delta's handling of the situation was bad for any customer.

"Elliot is well known and just represented Bermuda in the Pan Am games,'' he said, "then came home to run the Bermuda Junior Cycling Camp. But regardless of who the passenger was, I think the way they dealt with the matter was disgusting.

"I just think this was not a good way to repay someone who has done so much for Bermuda,'' Mr. Hopkins added. "The sort of person Elliot is, he's taken it in his stride. But I can tell he's feeling a bit down over the incident.'' Meanwhile, Mr. Hubbard admitted that the incident surprised him. He also revealed that no one he spoke with at the airport was in a position to help him.

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