title on Sunday, shrugging off the oppressively hot and humid conditions on the Southside, St. David's course.

Most of the Island's top cyclists were in the field, battling against the clock in what is regarded as the toughest of all cycling disciplines.

With competitors setting off at one-minute intervals, nearly all of the 44 riders were on the course when Hedges began his effort.

Aware that Geri Mewett, expected to be his main challenger, was already recording the fastest time on the eight-lap, 24.6 mile course, Hedges knew he had a fight on his hands. Mewett eventually crossed the line with the fastest time up to that point of 58 minutes, 38 seconds -- an average speed of 25.21 mph.

But as the crowd at the finish line waited, it was clear that Hedges was on an inspired ride and all Mewett could do was watch as his rival flashed across the line in 57.44, an average speed of 25.61 mph, to take the title.

Hedges and Mewett aside, the ride of the day came from veteran Jeff Payne who, having made a slow start to the season, appeared to have timed his preparation perfectly as he recorded the third fastest time of 59.01 -- a world class performance for a veteran rider.

It was, in fact, a day for the older riders to impress as no less than five competitors over 40 placed in the top nine with Payne, Peter Eccles, Kent Richardson, Greg Hopkins and Paul Shrubb finishing in third, fourth, sixth, seventh and ninth respectively.

Steve Millington finished in fifth place to secure third in the open male category. Jason Krupp was eighth while Jonathan Herring rounded out the top 10.

The Island's most dominant female cyclist, Melanie Claude, was again in top form as she claimed the women's title after recording a fine time of 1:2.22, an average speed of 23.22 mph for 11th overall. She beat out many top male riders and also left Laurie Orchard in second place, over seven minutes adrift.

Full results, see Scoreboard