accessories, the Winners Edge has expanded.

The shop which has been in operation for four years, has opened a second store adjacent to its Church Street outlet.

Part-owner and former top triathlete Greg Hopkins said the company's expansion is a positive development at a time when many small businesses are closing or facing hard times.

Winners Edge is owned by Mr. Hopkins, his wife Mary, Mr. Medeiros and his wife Maria. Mr. Hopkins said: "When we opened, despite being in the middle of a recession, we believed very strongly that we could make a success of the business based on our previous experience in both the business and competitive aspects of cycling.

"Although we started off with very little stock -- only seven bikes -- we managed to survive the tough early days, when for the first year Paul worked in the shop alone.

"We have now reached the point where it is necessary to expand the business.'' They were offered an opportunity by the Trek Bicycle Corporation a year ago to carry their bikes and accessories, but it took a second approach this year before the official dealership was accepted.

Said Mr. Hopkins: "The major benefit is that the Trek Corporation are the owners of two of the other lines we sell. It gives us better purchasing power, because now we are buying the vast majority of items from one company and we will be able to pass on benefits of price to our customers.'' TOP OF THE BUSINESS CYCLE -- Top Bermudian cyclist Elliot Hubbard (centre) cuts the ribbon of the Winners Edge Bike Shop's new outlet as owners Paul Medeiros (left) and Greg Hopkins look on.