Bermuda cycling will witness the end of an era this week with the announcement that the Island's top rider, Kris Hedges, is retiring from the sport - at least on a full-time basis.

After a season with French team VC Pontivy, which was interrupted late in the year when a training accident resulted in a broken collarbone, the 24-year-old Bermudian has decided to call it a day and begin a new chapter in his life.

With a long list of achievements and some great memories to look back on, Hedges admitted that the end had come a little sooner than he had planned. But he insisted he had no regrets.

“I went into cycling, taking it year by year, and had hoped to ride full-time for two or three years after finishing school, and I have come out of it a little short of the plan,” he said yesterday.

“I guess with having to take time off after breaking my collar bone, you sit back and look at the future and what you are doing in life and I think that was a major consideration when I decided to retire.”

With returning to France not an option, Hedges admitted he looked at the possibility of moving back to the US to race but eventually decided that now was the right time to call it quits.

“I was contemplating riding for a year in the US for a pro team, almost as a final year, but with that outlook on it I didn't think that would be the right position to put myself in. The offer from a main team fell through and then offers from a couple of small pro teams just made me decide that maybe the time had come and gone and I just didn't foresee myself doing it any more.”

Having graduated from Johns Hopkins University in 2003 with a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering, Hedges is now looking to show the same commitment to the workforce as he did to his cycling.

“It's definitely going to be a major change from being a full-time athlete to developing a career, but I am ready for it now I have made the decision,” he added.

Hedges plans to start working for local architectural company, Entasis, as well as getting some experience in the construction industry with a view to returning to university to study architecture.

In addition, with his trademark long locks now shorn and instead sporting a close cropped haircut, he will begin his Regiment duties in January.

“That is going to be interesting, quite an experience,” he added with a laugh. “I guess if you hang around long enough they catch you.”

Hedges can look back with pride at a cycling career spanning over ten years.

His cupboard remains full of trophies and his resume shows a fourth-place finish in the World B Championships in China in 2001, which he rates as his best performance, followed closely by a stage win in the Tour De Toona, a highly-rated US race.

“China was definitely a great result for me as was Toona, it's not too common for an amateur to win an NRC race, and then to come away with the sprinter's jersey too.

“I have been so lucky to have travelled and competed in so many countries and competitions, it's hard to separate them, they all have their own special memories.

“The Junior Worlds in Spain, the Commonwealth Games in Manchester and Malaysia, the Pan-Am Games in Santa Domingo, my collegiate titles, Caribbean titles and definitely being the Bermuda flag bearer in Manchester, they are all things I am grateful for having had the opportunity to experience.”

Add to these are his local national championship titles and an unprecedented three consecutive victories in the Sinclair Packwood Memorial Road Race.

Ironically as Hedges takes a step back from full-time cycling, Olympic triathlete Tyler Butterfield will embark on a similar path in January when he joins top-rated French team Vendee U.

Hedges himself was in a similar situation when he took over the mantle from Elliot Hubbard some years ago when Hubbard retired.

However, Hedges notes there are some differences.

While Hubbard now rarely rides as he completes a third year in law school in England, Hedges believes it will be different for him.

“I think I have got out at a time when I still have the desire to stay in shape,” he said. “Had I remained in Europe for another two or three years I may have felt like Elliot did, but I still expect to stay in shape for riding, triathlon whatever.”

With a comment that appears to leave the door open to him again representing Bermuda in the future, Hedges shrugs with a smile: “Who knows, if I stay in Bermuda I will certainly have the opportunity to stay fit.”

Signing off as a professional, Hedges said he wanted to acknowledge those who had helped develop his career.

“My parents have been extremely supportive as have the Bermuda Olympic Association and the Bermuda Bicycle Association. I could not have done what I have without them and Conyers, Dill and Pearman who helped me financially.

“There have been so many people behind the scenes who have helped me along the way.

“Once I can establish myself in the workforce I will definitely want to try and help develop the sport further, whether it be as a coach or within the BOA or the BBA, wherever I am needed with the young riders, whatever.”