season of competition in France for a much deserved rest before returning in the new year to join a new team.

The 19-year-old Hubbard confirmed that he would be joining the Monaco International cycling team next season, possibly as a professional if they succeed in starting a pro team.

"It depends on if they get a decent sponsor,'' Hubbard explained. "If that is the case I might be a pro next year. Next year if I don't turn pro I will ride as a semi-pro.'' Hubbard has been with Jolly Club 88 for the past two years, first as a junior and this past season as a senior competitor.

"Last year as a junior I won quite a few events. This year I was at a much higher level and on general the season was much more successful.'' His most recent win was the La Vietto D'azur in Nice in the south of France, which is near Menton where he has been living. Next year he will be living in Monaco, a half-hour away.

The youngster, who has gained tremendously as both a rider and a person from his experience in France, is now fluent in the language and comfortable in his new environment.

"I had no choice, I had to communicate with my team-mates and the people I live with,'' he said. "To be honest I've matured quite a bit over the last couple of years. I live on my own now and have learned a lot about French culture.

"Through independence I've learned how to handle myself and deal with life as an adult. Cycling gave me more confidence. Towards the end of the season I was placing constantly in the top 10. Overall I was third in the region (Cote D'Azur) in the senior category.

"My goal is to take my career as far as it can go, not just as a pro but as a good pro. My coach was impressed with how my season went this year.'' Like most riders, competing in the Tour De France -- by the age of 23 or 24 -- is the ultimate of Hubbard's ambitions. He estimates his cycling has improved about 20 to 25 percent since he has been in France and is keen to get back out on the roads of Bermuda.

After taking a few days off to relax, Hubbard is hoping to compete in some events in the coming weeks.

"My coach wants me to ride hard until the end of October and then take a break for a month,'' he said.

"I have a lot of people who want to see how I've improved.'' Hubbard will leave in the new year for the next season, which starts in February.

ON THE WAY UP -- Bermudian Elliott Hubbard in France with his Jolly Club 88 coach. Hubbard is eyeing a move to a new club next year.