victory in The Front Street Race of the Bermuda Grand Prix.

Schuler played the game masterfully on the tight track, never losing touch with the pack, which allowed him to use his specialty -- the sprint -- to full effect at the end.

It had long become clear that if the pack were together and he among them that the visitor would win, especially after taking four of the five special bell laps during the course of the one hour criterium.

As the sign signalling two laps remaining was flashed Schuler likewise ignited, seizing the lead role, one he would not relinquish before taking the checkered flag.

Chasing were fellow American Rob Neal and local favourite MacInnes Looby, efforts which could only earn them second and third respectively.

"I was really happy the way things went, I train for this style racing all winter at home and race the track primarily and this is pretty much like a points race in a track race,'' said Schuler, who also collected a 10-minute bonus to carry over into the next events.

"I knew I could sprint, but I didn't know if I could go with these guys if they kept hammering the whole time, so it kind of worked out that they were kind of backing it off and kept chasing everything that was going and I few times I had to too, so they kind of rode into my hands.'' Schuler voiced admiration of the manner in which the race was run and the calibre of competition presented, yet was optimistic of his chances during the rest of the races this weekend at the US Base.

"These guys are real good bike handlers and fine riders, there's no doubt about it,'' said Schuler.

"Tonight puts me in good standings. Typically I'm not a stage race rider, I'm doing this more for training, so I'm just trying to feel my way through the next few days and see how it goes.'' As Schuler rode off for his temporary residence with some fellow riders a cramping Looby reflected on what might have been.

"It was hard because it was only my second criterium for the year, I've been just doing road races, so it's a different type of intensity and riding altogether,'' said Looby.

"I've lost some of my sprint because I've been doing so much climbing, so to get third place I'm pretty happy with that.''