Taking full advantage of the absence of a number of the Island's younger riders, Richardson returned following years of inactivity and showed he'd lost none of his strength or tactical knowledge as he outsprinted the field to win a close finish.

In a 20-lap race covering 16.25 miles, the pace was always going to be fast and furious, but after a number of attempted breakaways it came down to a sprint for the line between Richardson and fellow veterans Jim Butterfield and Peter Eccles along with Category II riders Kevin Topple and Damion Wilson.

And it was Richardson who prevailed in 43 minutes, two seconds, although so close was the finish that Butterfield, Eccles, Topple and Wilson were all credited with the same time.

In the junior categories, Chris Bennett won the 15-16 boys division, Nick Taylor the 13-14 boys and Matthew Herring the 11-12 boys, all those races contested over 12.19 miles.

In a sprint finish in the 10 and under division, Raishun Burch pipped Ricky Sousa on the line.

This Sunday sees the final BBA road race of the season at South Side (9.00 a.m.), when the overall points series will be decided.

ROAD RUNNING RUN Road runners will be asked to discard their watches this Sunday for a race with a difference.

Top prize in the annual BAC Timeless 5K won't go to the fastest athlete but to the competitor who finishes closest to his or her predicted time.

As such runners will not be allowed to wear watches as they race over the 3.1 mile route, which starts and finishes at Bermuda Air Conditioning headquarters on Mill Creek in Pembroke.

The race takes runners from Mill Creek onto St. John's Road, left onto Palmetto Road, through Blackwatch Pass, left onto North Shore, down St. John's Road and back to BAC.

Entry forms can be picked up from the usual sports outlets and should be returned by 5.00 p.m. this Friday.

Sunday's race begins at 9.00 a.m. (8.45 a.m for walkers).