It took just 63 seconds for former top cyclist Elliot Hubbard to show that despite the years that have passed since he turned the pedals on his bike on a full time basis, he still has what it takes especially when he has to climb some of the steepest hills in Bermuda.

Having won the first two events in the Bermuda Bicycle Associations Hill Climb Series, on Sayle Road and Harrington Hundreds Hill, Hubbard could have been excused for feeling the pressure.

Not only from newcomers Darren Glasford and Arthur Pitcher, who were snapping at his heels for the overall series top spot which would be decided by the lowest cumulative time for the three climbs, but also by the presence of Mark Hatherely who was off Island for the opening events. With Hatherely having gained the reputation as the best climber on the Island in recent years Hubbard knew the diminutive rider would want to impress in the final.

With Hatherely, Pitcher, Glasford and finally Hubbard the last to start, it was promising junior rider Alex Godfrey who set the time to beat recording an impressive 70.06 second ride.

Pitcher who was third in the overall standings was the first to go and was clearly determined to challenge for the honours with a powerful display of riding on the steep winding climb, finishing with a lunging sprint for the line.

Next came Glasford, who whilst looking strong appeared to have selected a much lower gear for the final steep part of the hill and was unable to take advantage to the short flat section at the top where precious seconds can be won or lost. Hatherely was next on the hill, and whilst his classic climbing style was still apparent, he did not seem to have the same fluid action that he has become known for.

With the timing officials still working on the calculations Hubbard was the last to start, and when he came into view after the final turn, it was clear that the passing years had not changed his smooth, powerful pedaling action, nor his sheer grit and determination as he gave every last ounce of energy crossing the finish line in the fastest time of the day, 63.88 seconds, winning the day and the series.

When the dust settled Pitcher who only last year in the same event finished 31st was second in 64.43 moving up to second in the overall series standings and sending a warning that he is a rider to watch this year. Hatherely was timed in 65.10 for third and Glasford 68.98 for fourth and third in the series. With youngster Alex Godfrey finishing 5th and fourth in the series it is clear that the new generation of top riders is coming to the fore this season.

Karen Bordage continued her winning ways sealing her third victory in three events beating out Vanessa Madeiros and Julia Hawley in 1.17.11, 1.37.75 and 1.44.61 respectively and taking overall honors in the series, with Madeiros second.

In the male 13-16 category two more newcomers, part of the sports schools programmes that was set up last year Treshun Correia and Dominique Mayho battled it out with Mark Godfrey for the top three places finishing in that order in 1.18.98, 1.29.66 and 1.36.12.

Nathan Amaral rounded out the top four. Mayho won the series with Godfrey second.

In the female 13-16 the Arnold sisters Izabella and Gabriella went head to head, and with Gabriella taking the victory on the Sayle Road event it was Izabella who won out yesterday in times of 1.59.16 and 2.01.35 respectively.

In the boys 12 and under impressive junior Justin Ferreira made it three for three taking honours yesterday and the overall series win.