After lifting last weekend's National Triathlon Championship title, Kent Richardson thought he had come to the end of a successful and satisfying season - until yesterday morning.

Following an unexpected visit at work from national cycling coach Greg Hopkins, the multi-talented sportsman found himself floating on cloud nine again after being given a last-minute opportunity to represent Bermuda at this weekend's Caribbean Cycling Championships in Aruba.

"I'm in big-time shock, since I found out today. I have been standing at work in a daze. I was thinking gee, I've got a chance to ride with our big guys in cycling, I'm very excited," said a bubbling Richardson.

However, the way in which Richardson has been given the chance to race represents something of a double-edged sword in the opinion of coach Hopkins, who was clearly frustrated regarding an 11th hour change by the championships' organising committee.

"I have to say I was not impressed when I received an e-mail this morning from the organisers stating that as the result of a request from Antigua and Curacao they are permitting teams to take another rider," said Hopkins.

"It was a request I made a couple of months ago, and I was refused.

"This last minute change, two days before we leave, has caused a lot of desperate arranging that could have been avoided, and could have proved unnecessarily expensive.

"If it had not been for the efforts of our travel agent, Patty Petty, and the generosity of American Airlines, Kent's ticket could have cost twice as much as it has."

But with arrangements complete, Hopkins agreed Richardson would add strength to a team already containing Kris Hedges, Geri Mewett, Wayne Scott and Steve Millington.

"Kent is a tremendous addition to the team," said the coach. "His time trials of late have been very impressive and he has competed in most of the road races this season, where he has always been in contention, plus his personality will be good for team morale."

Richardson will compete in the 30 kilometre time trial on Saturday and then the 75-mile road race on Sunday, and he understands what is expected from him.

"I know I have been selected on the strength of my time trials and I am geared to go. I will give it everything I have and then in the road race I will do what I have to do to help our guys in whatever way I can."

Known as the sail-boarding capital of the world because of the constantly strong winds which reportedly blow at over 20mph for an average of 329 days of the year, Aruba will provide demanding conditions for the riders.

And Hopkins said he had great confidence in Richardson who he believed could play a valuable role as the team attempts to lift the road race title.

"Obviously we are looking for Kent to have a good ride in the time-trial, but he will play an important part in the team tactics, protecting our lead riders in what we anticipate will be difficult conditions."

The team were due to leave Bermuda this morning.