National champion Robin Horsfield confirmed he will not be taking to the start line of the Pan American Mountain Bike Championships.

The 24-year-old, who retained his crown in emphatic style at Southlands in March, had previously said he was competing in the five-day Continental Championships, which will be held in Midway, Utah, starting tomorrow.

However, with Horsfield not enjoying the luxury of being a full-time professional, he conceded financial limitations still dictate his racing calendar.

“Obviously, I would have loved to have represented Bermuda at the Pan Am Championships but as I am not yet on a full-time income as a cyclist, the level of cost to travel to the event just didn't work out,” Horsfield said.

"With Utah being at altitude I would have ideally needed to be based there for some time before the championships and so I decided not to follow with any plans to compete, although it would have been nice.

“Obviously the support I have received from Bermuda has been amazing and really helped me to be able to try and become professional, but I have to pick and choose carefully where I compete and where it makes most sense in terms of cost and income.”

With the ambition of fulfilling his professional aspirations within the next two years, Horsfield reiterated his desire to turn his full attention to the domestic season as he competes for Royal City Racing in the Canada Cup.

“My full focus for now is the Canada Cup and trying to do as well as possible in that, this season,” added Horsfield, whose campaign got off to a frustrating start with a punctured tyre hampering his chances of challenging for victory in an Ontario Cup race on Sunday.

"I actually got off to a good start to be among the leaders. However, I suffered a puncture and that put me to the back of the pack.

"I managed to work my way back and caught two of the riders, so I didn't finish last. It wasn't the ideal start to the season, but at least it gave me a chance to test my fitness levels.

"In situations like that I always try to take the positives and I was pleased with what I got out of the race and where I'm at.

"It was the first race and I have more important ones to come in the Canada Cup throughout this month and next. I'd be delighted to be among the top ten, but you never really know what to expect and the level the other riders are at.

"Right now is a chance to get some more training in and work on the issues of the previous race."