Unable to reel in the leaders by himself after a race rival crashed, Bermuda's Wayne Scott was forced to pull out of the Miami Cycling Classic.

Scott, a national team rider, was competing at the weekend for the first time since taking part in the CD&P Classic on home soil.

Currently fifth in the Florida Pro 1-2 rankings, Scott is hoping to consolidate his position as the season in the US draws to close.

He was among a top class field at the event with Saturn's Eric Wohlberg winning the race and Scott's fellow CD&P competitor, Henk Vogels of Mercury, capturing the 2002 Men's Pro Cycling Tour Points Champion title after a fourth place finish.

Only 38 riders completed the course, with Scott one of those who pulled out.

"I was in there for the first 90 minutes of the two hour plus five lap race," he said. "A rider about five places in front of me crashed on a corner which opened up a gap.

"There were four guys in front of me so I did not think it would be a problem to catch back on.

"Well, they all sat up on the next corner and I was faced with an almost 20-yard gap to close by myself, on a pro field.

"I tried chasing for a lap or so, to no avail, so I pulled out."

Scott said he was disappointed but realistic.

"I was feeling very comfortable in there and would not have had a problem finishing, but that's all a part of racing," he said. "We'll see what happens next weekend. That will determine if I end up fifth, sixth or seventh in the rankings."

That race is the Florida Cyclefest which takes place on the streets of West Palm Beach.

Racing starts on Friday with the J-Town Kick-off Criterium, then the Feature Race on Saturday is the Bill Bone Grand Prix. Sunday concludes on the waterfront with the Sunday Sizzler.