Just-retired Elliot Hubbard believes there are at least two Bermudian cyclists who have what it takes to follow in his footsteps on the professional circuit.

Hubbard, Bermuda's first and, so far, only full-time pro cyclist, announced his retirement last week, leaving what national coach Greg Hopkins described as a "huge void'' in Bermuda cycling.

The 27-year-old tipped teenager Tyler Butterfield and US-based Kris Hedges as the athletes who had the ability to enter cycling's paid ranks.

Butterfield, a talented triathlete, performed impressively at the Junior World Cycling Championships in October on the back of just two months' specialist training.

His 102nd place finish in the road race and his placing of 54th in the time trial in Plouay, France, convinced Hopkins that Butterfield could become "one of the top junior riders in the world''.

And the 17-year-old said he fancied another crack at the junior worlds next year.

"Tyler displayed his courage at the world championships and I believe he is good enough to really make an impression in the sport,'' said Hubbard.

"It is up to him to take full advantage of the opportunities that will come his way. He is still very young and there is nothing holding him back.'' Meanwhile, the huge strides Hedges has made this year are evidence enough that he can go on to have a great future in the sport, according to Hubbard.

Hedges beat Butterfield into second place in the Somerset-to-Hamilton Sinclair Packwood Memorial Race on May 24.

And in June, he added the National Road Race title, crossing the finishing line two-and-a-half minutes ahead of second-placed Steve Millington in the 76-mile race at St. David's.

"Kris is competing well in the USA and if he dedicates himself to the sport, I'm sure he could do equally as well as I have,'' said Hubbard. "There are lots of young kids as well who could come up through the ranks if they stick to cycling.'' Hopkins backed up Hubbard on Butterfield and Hedges and added the name of former Olympic swimmer Geri Mewett as another to watch.

"Geri is probably the most under-estimated rider we have,'' said Hopkins. "I think that is because his development has happened overseas and not on the Island and so people are maybe not so aware of him so much.

"Tyler is 17 now, the same age as Elliot when he started. Having worked closely with Tyler, I know there are a lot of things he wants to do before he decides on his main sport.

"I think we will see more of Tyler cycling in future, but I think he has to experiment with other sports as well.'' Retirement marked a sad day, Hubbard conceded, but he was was already looking forward to his next challenge.

"I have to say I'm excited about the prospect of furthering my education,'' said Hubbard. "You have to embrace new challenges and not fear them.

"One of the things I'll miss most about professional cycling is the travel. I have travelled all over the world and seen many different cultures and cycling's made that all possible.'' Future stars: Tyler Butterfield (left) and Kris Hedges both have what it takes to race on the pro circuit, according to the just-retired Elliot Hubbard.