Pedal power and the fundamentals of competitive cycling are only part of a summer cycling clinic hosted by a top French coach.

Some 15 Bermudian students ranging in age from nine to 18, have met with Michel Ducas every morning at Clearwater Beach for the past two weeks to learn and improve fundmentals, technical aspects of maintaining their equipment, proper diet and training programmes.

"There is so much potential in the cycling field in Bermuda,'' said Ducas, "Especially among the younger boys.'' The Paris-born cycling guru was Elliot Hubbard's first coach, and was responsible for signing him with an Italian junior team when he was 17. This year Ducas secured Hubbard's contract with the Italian professional team AKI-SACCI.

Ducas has a long history as a coach and trains cyclists of the French-based Mondeleiu Sprint Club, the training club of Richard Virenque, who is currently second overall in the ongoing Tour de France.

The idea for the Bermuda clinic was dreamed up by Hubbard some time ago to "bring out the hidden talent'' existing in Bermuda, said Ducas.

"I promised Elliot I would do something in Bermuda,'' added Ducas, who is volunteering to share his expertise with the aspiring young athletes.

The Frenchman is optimistic about a cycling future for Bermuda because conditions are ideal for training.

"In Bermuda, there is good weather all year round in which to train, the roads are perfect -- everything is perfect -- but in order to be competitive and successful you need a strong training programme and a lot of discipline.'' He also noted that there were so many opportunities for young people to take advantage of Bermuda in many sports.

"I don't know how anyone can say there is nothing for young people to do here,'' he said.

In the programme, students hone skills by pedalling on one leg and practising time trials and sprints. Once a week the group goes on a steady 50-kilometre cycle for an intense distance practice.

Ducas also teaches technical and maintenance aspects, safety precautions and detailed information on stretching exercises, diet and rest programmes when racing and when training.

"There is so much potential here if there is a good training programme. If we start with the youngsters, for example the nine to 13 year-olds, teach them good basics with the little exercise training clinics, then when they are at least 14 they can choose to train seriously.

"You need a good 4,000 kilometres in your legs for experience to be competitive for the races.'' he said.

"The clinic is lots of fun,'' said 15-year-old Allison Petty, who has been active in competitive cycling for two years and is also very active in swimming and triathalon.

"I've learned a lot.'' The clinic is sponsored by the Bermuda Bicycling Association with help from the Ministry of Youth Development and Sport.

PEDAL POWER -- French coach Michael Ducas is on the Island aiding young cyclists such as Matthew Herring (left) and Adam Petty.