Top cyclist Steve Millington recorded two solid performances in events held in atrocious conditions in Massachusetts over the weekend.

But if it had been a movie script, national cycling coach Greg Hopkins might have given it an `R' horror rating as the Island's riders endured a bizarre weekend.

Driving rain, snow flurries, high winds, 30-degree temperatures, punctures, major crashes and even missed start times left Hopkins scratching his head in disbelief as he received daily updates in Bermuda.

"It got to the point where I was almost afraid to pick up the telephone to hear the next instalment," said Hopkins yesterday.

Millington, Karl Outerbridge, Melanie Claude and Julia Hawley left Bermuda on Friday and were joined by Florida-based Wayne Scott, hoping to get in two quality races in the Palmer Road Race on Saturday and Monson Road Race on Sunday, just outside of Boston.

But it soon became clear that all might not be well when on the way to their hotel the riders were met with unseasonable snow storms that would signal the start of two days of cold, miserable racing conditions.

The first call Hopkins received was from a distraught Claude who along with Hawley was due to start at 9 a.m.. But despite leaving early and following the event organisers' directions, they found themselves hopelessly lost and missed the start.

"They were both very upset," said Hopkins. "There were a lot of tears and frustration. They are both extremely experienced at racing internationally and this should not have happened, but it did. There is no point dwelling on it, we will deal with it when they get home."

Millington, Scott, and Outerbridge, who left for their event later had no such problems, with Scott, being a former resident of the area.

In their 80-mile event over rolling hills, they lined up with over 100 other riders in the pro, one-two event in cold, blustery conditions.

With just one lap gone, Outerbridge took a tight corner and punctured, leaving him stranded and waiting for a neutral support vehicle to change his wheel.

Millington reported: "Karl was right there with us and then he flatted on a corner. The pace really picked up and there was no chance of getting back on."

While Millington rode a strong, controlled race, Scott had other ideas as time and again he tried to be part of breakaway attempts, only to be reeled back in by the pack. And then as the field started the final lap, he ran out of steam.

"I wanted to make something happen today, I worked really hard to get in breaks, but it didn't work and then as we started the last lap I just blew," explained Scott later.

Finally eight riders got away from the field and on the final straight to the finish, officials stopped the lead chasing pack containing Millington some 300 yards short of the finish line.

"The cat three race was a few minutes ahead and there was a mass pile-up at the line. One guy had to be flown out by helicopter to hospital so the officials only let the lead eight riders through. We never got through the finish line," said a disappointed Millington.

Hopkins was more upbeat. "Steve was in the lead pack on both days in what can only be described as awful conditions. It just shows that his experience and toughness make him a valuable asset to the Bermuda team. I am very pleased with the way he rode."

On Sunday, a phone call from Scott brought more bad news. "Wayne called me on his cell phone," said Hopkins. "He was not racing on Sunday because his nephew was injured in a fatal car accident last week and he had family matters to deal with, but he told me the weather had worsened.

"It was about 30 degrees and freezing rain."

So bad were the conditions that the races started with seriously depleted fields. Afterwards Claude explained: "Half the field in our event did not start because it was so cold."

Despite this the two Bermuda women raced over the demanding course, finishing ninth and 10th respectively in the 40-mile event.

In the men's race over 56 miles, Outerbridge was forced to pull out after one lap due to the conditions, while Millington again rode strongly to finish in the main pack.

Hopkins reflected: "Everything has been going well for us this year so far, so I guess we have to take the ups with the downs. Melanie and Julia are very disappointed but will bounce back. Steve had a really good weekend, all things considered.

"This was Karl's first trip racing internationally for many years. I know it is one he will probably want to forget but I think he is going to have a good season."