First he was out and then he was in.

For Kent Richardson that was the way of things when it came to Bermuda's squad for the Caribbean Cycling Championships.

Veteran Richardson stood to be a surprise omission from the team for St. Vincent at the end of next month.

Considering the fact he secured an excellent bronze medal at last year's event in Curacao, his non-appearance this time around would have raised some eyebrows.

Members of Bermuda Bicycle Association were informed of the squad at the end of last week by their executive. The men's team was to be made up of Kris Hedges, Geri Mewett, Andy Kain, Ricky Sousa and Karl Outerbridge, while the women's featured Melanie Claude and Lynn Patchett.

However, things changed a day after the formal announcement when Outerbridge revealed he would not now be making the trip, thus opening the door for Richardson.

BBA President Danielle Bezant revealed that worries about 44-year-old Richardson's fitness, coupled with the excellent form of Outerbridge in a road race two weeks ago, led to the medallist being left out of the initial squad.

“Karl rode an excellent race. He rode a very tactical race, a very strong race,” Bezant said. “Kent has been plagued with an issue with cramping. It wasn't that we did not want to choose him . . . I think he was a bit perturbed by the ongoing problem he seems to have with this, although in the times we have had him away, the Small Islands and the World Bs, we never had a problem. He raced very well in both.”

That previous experience seemed to sway the BBA executive and national coach Phillipe Mauduit when Outerbridge pulled out.

“Although we realise there are still a few issues with this cramping it has not seemed to have hindered him at all when he has been racing internationally,” Bezant said, referring to the switch as “like for like”.

Another absentee from the squad is Jason Krupp who has put in some fine performances domestically this season.

“Jason was taken into consideration,” Bezant said. “He was considered as one of those vying for a position on the team. There was a discussion and he wasn't tabled with the rest of the team - Phillipe did not put him forward.”

As for the women's team, the president said the absence of Julia Hawley, a veteran of last year's Commonwealth and this year's Pan American Games, was more straightforward.

“Julia made a personal choice (not to go),” said Bezant, adding that she felt Patchett, who excelled at the Island Games, was a more than adequate team-mate for Claude.

Meanwhile, though missing out on the Caribbean Championships, Outerbridge will be taking part in this weekend's Bank of Bermuda Team Triathlon.

“Cyclists use this to show off their time trialing ability and it will be tough this year,” said Outerbridge. “Kent Richardson and Jason Krupp are riding very well so I have to be on the mark.

“The new national coach is coaching Kent, Jason and myself so this will be a true test as to who is the best time trialist in Bermuda.”

Part of Outerbridge's training involves watching his body weight.

“In August I was weighing 170lbs and I need to get back down to at least 165lbs,” said the Mobility-sponsored rider. “This sport is not like Bermuda cricket or football where you could get away with being 10-20lbs overweight.

“Being a part of the national team is very demanding, for example every morning we have to take our resting heart rates with heart monitors, and I have fat tests conducted every two weeks. This is very strict but I like it as it means at the end of the day you know you gave your best.”