If ever there was a case for exemption from qualification for this summer's Olympics it is that of local cyclist Elliot Hubbard.

By a strange and seemingly unfair twist of circumstances, the US-based Bermudian pro has been denied a trip Down Under despite the fact that past results suggest that not only would he not be disgraced among Olympic company, but would likely be among the thick of the action when the race for medals got serious.

Hubbard has shown his enormous talent, and even bigger heart, at both the Commonwealth and Pan-Am Games in recent years, and not surprisingly Bermuda's own Olympic Association were keen that he took his place on the Sydney start-line.

But even their efforts so far have drawn a blank in what appears to be an inequitable qualification system.

Because Hubbard rides for Navigators, a US pro team, he wasn't eligible to compete in last year's World B championships in which he could have reached the Olympic standard. He was, in effect, considered too good. But because Navigators are a Class Two team based in the US and not riding in the major European races, he doesn't get the chance to pick up Olympic qualifying points.

He's been left out in the cold with no options. And there can be few, if any riders the world over, who find themselves in the same no-win position as the 26-year-old Bermudian.

Now the final the nail appears to have been put in the coffin with news that the BOA's application for a wild card has been turned down by cycling's world governing body. They have stated quite bluntly that no `free rides' are being handed out.

That same decision ends the Olympic dream of Bermuda's Melanie Claude who, like Hubbard, had hoped to travel to Australia, although in reality Hubbard always held the trump card should Bermuda have been offered one exemption.

When Hubbard clattered out of the Atlanta Olympics four years ago, the innocent victim of a pile-up just five laps into the 17-lap 137-mile race, he vowed to dedicate all his efforts to Sydney 2000.

"I've promised myself I'll come back and finish the Olympics on a higher note,'' he said at the time.

Since then all his races and training have been geared towards Sydney.

But like most of us he'll likely end up watching it on TV ... along with the thrills of ballroom dancing, synchronised swimming and all those other highly-deserving, wildly entertaining Olympic attractions! That someone as dedicated to his sport, and successful in past international races, as Hubbard has been denied a chance to qualify for the Games says much about today's Olympic movement.

Sporting excellence, it would appear, is no longer an over-riding priority.

-- ADRIAN ROBSON