Tough, but exciting.

Such has been Bermudian cyclist Tyler Butterfield's experience at the World Junior Cycling Championships, currently taking place in France.

Hopes of a high finish permeated Butterfield's mind in advance of his venture to the continent, however the standard encountered has forced the teenager to alter expectations.

Butterfield placed 54th in Wednesday's 24.5 km time trial between the towns of Le Croisty and Plouay, clocking 35 minutes, 26.51 seconds, some four minutes behind Poland's Peter Mazur, who had the day's best time of 30:58.23.

"The standard out here is crazy...these guys are so fast,'' said Butterfield, his attention now turning to tomorrow's 127.4 km road race. "I feel pretty good, (but) I wasn't expecting the level of competition to be this high.

"At the end of the time trial I was four minutes, 28 seconds behind, which, to me, was amazing. I knew I wasn't going to come out here and win, but I thought I'd be closer to the winning time.

"I've been racing in the States and doing well, which got my hopes up, but the first US person was 33rd, which was the standard I was racing against.

People had told me in the States that this was the best US team that had ever come to the Worlds, and they'd had one fifth place in the Worlds earlier in years before.

"So, I was thinking that, with the way I was racing in the US, there wouldn't be that much of a difference between the standards.

"I guess it's a trap a lot of Bermudians fall into. You do well in Bermuda and know you're a big fish in a small pond, and then you go to the US and race, but the World Championships is a totally different level.'' Indeed, with the top time trial finishers averaging in the region of 48 there remains no doubt as to the quality of the event.

And while the male professionals performed over double the distance for their trial, their speed was not much different.

A major difference for Butterfield, however, has been the miserable weather, with the low temperatures causing some breathing problems.

"When I finished I could hardly move, but it wasn't my muscles, more my lungs because of the cold air,'' explained Butterfield. "I couldn't breathe deep because the air was so cold on my lungs.

"It's a learning experience, I'm pleased with my time, my speed and stuff.'' National coach Greg Hopkins reiterated the educational aspect of the trip, while noting how Butterfield was adapting and performing well under adverse conditions.

Not only has Butterfield had to deal with the windy, cold and wet weather, but, unlike most of the other countries competing, has had to do so in the absence of team-mates.

While some will have teams of 10 riders Butterfield's will be a solo trek.

"It's been difficult, but the spirits are very high and he rode exceptionally well in the time trial,'' said Hopkins. "I hope the people in Bermuda aren't disappointed with his position, because it's a learning experience for him right now.

"He's at the youngest age of the junior category and we were very, very pleased with his performance, he rode exceptionally well.

"His average speed was very good on a difficult course. The weather conditions since we've seen here have been pretty atrocious to say the least.'' As for the road race Butterfield said that a pair of climbs would likely make the difference, with his goal one of finishing in the peleton.

"There's two big hills on the course which are going to be a factor,'' he said. "The quality and strength of the riders are strong and I know the hills are where you're going to tell the difference. Before I was more confident of what I was going to do than now, but I feel confident that I can finish with the pack.'' Tyler Butterfield: on a steep learning curve at junior worlds.