Bermuda's premier female cyclist Melanie Claude has called it quits as far as elite competition is concerned.

While she still trains six days a week and is considering a switch to Masters cycling, the 42-year-old has decided to bow out of the top tier while she is still among Bermuda's best in the sport.

In addition, she is taking time off from all competition to recharge her batteries and determine her next move.

"In the beginning of the season I was thinking 'Do I want to cut back on the international scene?' and I decided 'Yeah, the body needs a break'. It's been going at it for the last several years.

"I've reached a point where I have ventured to all avenues within cycling and I've had great years of travelling around the world and competing at prestigious races," she explained.

"You finally get to a point in your life where there are other priorities. I've got my family and work obligations so I've decided to take a year off because I'm not convinced I can say 'That's it, I'm not going to race ever again' but at least for this year my mind is starting to say wind down on the competitive side even on the local scene."

Claude was missing from the Sinclair Packwood Memorial cycle race on May 24 and will also be absent from the upcoming National Time Trial Championships and the National Road Race Championships.

However, the one race that might entice her back into the saddle before next year is the CD&P Grand Prix though right now she does not see herself competing.

"Maybe after a year's break I can re-evaluate things and see if I can stay competitive locally then I can go from there. I just need to give my mind and body a bit of a break and to reassess things.

"As for joining the Masters, I would never rule that out because I'm naturally competitive. Our former coach Philippe Mauduit had recommended that now we're getting a little older it might be worth our while to focus more on Masters events. So there are opportunities there," said the ace rider.

Reflecting on the highlights of her career, Claude pinpointed competing at the Commonwealth Games and various World 'B' Championships as "big thrills", particularly winning a bronze medal at the 1979 World 'B's in Uruguay. Also competing with elite women from Canada and Spain in the 1980 Grande Bouche ? the female Tour de France ? was another unforgettable experience.

As she leaves the scene, however, the Island's top woman in the saddle is disappointed by the dearth of young female cyclists to replace the likes of herself and Julia Hawley.

"I think there's a gap now. It's still the senior women who are up there. We're not seeing too many teenage girls out there. Flora Duffy is certainly a good prospect but university will be coming soon so it's difficult to say whether she will be here or not.

"With Bermuda being so small I think it will always be an issue, trying to draw more females into cycling," said Claude who hopes to lend her experience to the development of cycling.