Local cyclist Elliot Hubbard's spectacular performance at the recent Killington Stage race has sparked a bidding war among several United States professional teams seeking his services.

The 21-year-old aspiring professional racer has been fielding inquiries from such well known outfits as Saturn Team, Saab, Montgomery Bell and Chevrolet-LA Sheriff ever since he placed fifth overall and was the first amateur across the line.

"Obviously with regard to my fifth place finish, that did generate some interest among pro teams,'' said Hubbard, attempting to downplay the fact that he is a man in great demand. "I haven't got anything solid as of yet in terms of a contract, but I am making a lot of calls and many have asked me to submit my resume for them to have a look at.

"I expect to be discussing contracts over the next few days, but the chances are that if anything materialises it will be for next season because this one is almost over.'' As for the amount of money he could earn by signing a professional contract Hubbard was unsure of an exact figure, but stated the average for riders on established teams to be in the region of $80,000-$100,000 per year, although the leading riders often receive more than double that amount.

Reflecting on his performance during the Killington event in Vermont where he claimed among his victims many top US professionals, Hubbard said that he was confident going in because of the hilly course.

"I knew I had more than a good chance heading into the hilly race as I'm more of a climber.

"And it just proved to me how high a standard I was doing in France and goes to show that the amateur racing over there was no joke...it really helped me.

"I learned my moves in France and it's paying off now.'' Indeed, Hubbard has turned heads since joining Pennsylvania-based Tri-State Velo earlier this year after his former French team went bust.

However, what appears to have most impressed US scouts about his Killington performance was his ability to ride alone following the second stage, without help from his lagging team-mates. Plus the fact he was able to not only maintain a place among the leading pack, but head a successful four-man breakaway during the third stage.

Moreover, Hubbard established in his own mind that he is capable of competing at the top level and now feels the time to be ripe for his elevation to the pro ranks.

"I think I've proven to myself since arriving in the States that physically and mentally I have what it takes to race among the pro circuit and be competitive,'' said Hubbard, who turns 22 this month. "I think I'm ready.''