The unforgiving roads of the Belgian spring continue to test the resolve of Bermuda’s Kaden Hopkins, as the Atom 6 Bikes - Cycleur de Luxe rider suffered another frustrating afternoon at the 60th Tintrio - Omloop van het Waasland.
Hopkins lined up alongside his continental teammates for the prestigious one-day classic, a grueling 175km trek from Lokeren to Kemzeke. Known for its punishing crosswinds and tactical aggression, the race was a primary target for the Bermudian as he looked to reset his season following a difficult April.
Having recorded back-to-back "Did Not Finishes" last month, Hopkins had hoped the turn of the calendar to May would signal a change in fortune. However, the technical demands of the Flemish circuit proved relentless once again.
In a race defined by high attrition, Hopkins was unfortunately among the 39 riders who failed to reach the finish line in Kemzeke.
It is a rare dip in form for a rider who has become a mainstay in the European peloton. While the result adds to a mounting tally of DNFs, the sheer intensity of the Belgian circuit is widely regarded as the ultimate proving ground for professional cyclists.
With the European summer season now in full swing, Hopkins will be desperate to find the "clinical" rhythm that has previously seen him contest the podium in the continental ranks. The focus now shifts to his upcoming recovery block as he prepares for a demanding June schedule.
Thursday, April 30, 2026
Traffic Advisory Junior Cycling Road Race Set for Sunday
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Bermuda’s next generation of cycling talent will take to the roads this weekend, as the Bermuda Bicycle Association (BBA) hosts the Junior Cycling Road Race on Sunday, May 3rd.
The Ministry of Public Works and Environment has issued a traffic advisory for motorists as the event, scheduled to run between 8:00 am and 11:00 am, will impact several key arteries in the western end of the island.
The race is set to start and finish on South Road, specifically outside of the Gulf Stream compound. From there, the young peloton will head east before turning left onto St. Paul's Lane. The route then leads the riders onto Middle Road, proceeding west as far as Lighthouse Road. A final left turn onto Lighthouse Road will bring the participants back toward South Road for the sprint to the finish line.
While authorities have confirmed there will be no full road closures for the event, significant traffic control measures will be in place. Race Marshals will be stationed along the route to direct traffic, and the Bermuda Police Service has been authorised to close off specific portions of streets or manage parking at the Commissioner’s discretion.
Motorists are being urged to exercise extreme caution to avoid collisions with the young athletes and are asked to strictly follow the instructions provided by marshals.
The Ministry has expressed its apologies for any potential inconvenience and is encouraging the full cooperation of the motoring public to ensure a safe and successful morning of competition. For further information regarding the race or the traffic plan, members of the public can contact race representative Peter Dunne at 704-8614.
Sunday, April 26, 2026
White Shows Grit in 2026 Rutland–Melton CiCLE Classic
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Bermudian powerhouse Conor White produced a resilient display on the punishing gravel sectors of the East Midlands, finishing within touching distance of the leaders at the 2026 Rutland–Melton CiCLE Classic.
On a day where the 187km course lived up to its reputation as "Britain's Belgian Classic," the Jakroo Handsling Racing rider navigated the brutal farm tracks and steep gradients of Rutland to secure a hard-fought result against a stacked international field.
The race, famous for its unique mix of off-road "special sectors" and rolling English countryside, was blown apart in the final 40 kilometres. After several breakaways were reeled in on the approach to the infamous Somerberg sector, a select group of riders managed to forge ahead.
Otto van Zanden proved the strongest of the elite escapees, timing his final move to perfection to claim a prestigious UCI 1.2 victory. The winner crossed the finish line in Oakham with a time of 5:06:03, narrowly fending off a charging chasing pack in a breathless finale.
Representing the UK-based Jakroo Handsling Racing, Conor White stayed in the thick of the action as the peloton fractured over the rougher terrain. Known for his time-trial prowess, White utilized his raw power to maintain contact with the main chasing groups as the race reached its crescendo on the final circuits around Melton Mowbray and Oakham.
White eventually crossed the line in 5:07:27, finishing just 1 minute and 24 seconds behind Van Zanden. The result marks a significant step forward for the Bermudian in the European spring classics, particularly given the high rate of attrition and mechanical failures that typically define this race.
White’s performance in the East Midlands follows a string of solid outings on the British domestic circuit, including a gritty top-35 finish at the East Cleveland Classic earlier this month.
The Bermudian is using the demanding UCI calendar in Europe to sharpen his form ahead of a major summer schedule on the international stage. With his ability to handle long distances and technical terrain clearly on display today, White remains a rider to watch as the road season intensifies.
Sunday, April 19, 2026
Miller Masterclass as Criterium Drama Unfolds at Southside
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Alexander Miller secured a commanding victory at the Southside Motor Sports Park as the Bermuda Bicycle Association’s Criterium circuit delivered a morning of high-speed drama and tactical brilliance.
Hosted by the BRCC, the event saw the island’s elite riders tackle a fast and winding layout that tested both technical handling and raw power. In the premier A/B Category, Miller, representing Winners Edge, proved to be the class of the field over the twenty-one-lap contest. He crossed the line in 38:47, establishing a comfortable gap over teammate Dylan Eiselt, who secured the second spot in 39:11. Dominique Mayho of VT Construction rounded out the podium with a resilient effort to finish in 40:04.
However, the elite race was overshadowed by a distressing incident on the final lap involving Tracy Wright. The veteran rider went down in a heavy crash as the pack jockeyed for position in the closing stages. Race organizers and the local cycling community have since extended their best wishes to Wright for a full and speedy recovery following the fall.
The Category C race provided the most frantic finish of the day, leaving officials to consult the cameras after fifteen laps of relentless racing. In a remarkable three-way sprint for the line, independent rider Lucas Bule was awarded the win by the narrowest of margins over Peter Tadman and Frank Ming. All three riders were officially clocked at 30:34, showcasing the incredible parity within the division as they navigated the final technical turn onto the straight.
There was a similarly thrilling conclusion in the Under 12 division over seven laps. Austen Carr and Niklas Bock were inseparable as they lunged for the finish, with Carr ultimately taking the top spot in a photo finish after both youngsters recorded a time of 17:02. Isaac Wookey followed closely behind to claim the third podium position in 17:17, capping off a day that highlighted the promising depth of Bermuda’s junior cycling ranks.
Category A/B 21 Laps
38:47 Alexander Miller - Winners Edge - 38:47 39:11 Dylan Eiselt - Winners Edge - 39:11 40:04 Dominique Mayho - VT Construction - 40:04 39:14 Forrest Chris Nusum - Winners Edge - 1 lap 39:26 Jens Drea - VT Construction - 1 lap 39:26 Clifford Roberts - VT Construction - 1 lap 39:26 Stephen Ryan - BRCC - 1 lap 39:35 Darren Glasford - Winners Edge - 1 lap 38:00 Tracy Wright - Winners Edge - 2 laps 38:48 Panzy Olander - VT Construction - 5 laps
Category C 15 Laps
30:34 Lucas Bule - Independent 30:34 Peter Tadman - BRCC 30:34 Frank Ming - Winners Edge 31:52 Gordon Smith - Independent 32:07 Neil MacGuinness - BRCC 32:23 Kareem Johnson - Winners Edge 30:39 Nicole Mitchell - Winners Edge - 1 lap 30:39 Kyle Godfrey - Independent - 1 lap 30:39 Kaleb Harris - Bermuda Junior Cycling - 1 lap 31:11 Henry Paddison - Independent - 2 laps 31:52 Jeremy Shrubb - BRCC - 2 laps 32:19 Kent Richardson - Winners Edge - 2 laps 32:29 Lawrence Joseph - Independent - 2 laps
French Classic Heartbreak for Hopkins as Jegat Triumphs
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Kaden Hopkins endured a second consecutive disappointment on French soil as the 6th Classic Grand Besançon Doubs proved to be a brutal test of endurance for the professional peloton.
Representing the Atom 6 Bikes - Cycleur de Luxe - Auto Stroo Continental Team, the Bermudian powerhouse was among a select field of 125 starters for the 175.7km trek. The route, which wound its way from Besançon to a punishing finish in Montfaucon, lived up to its reputation as one of the more grueling one-day fixtures on the European calendar.
However, for the second time in two weeks, Hopkins was forced into an early exit. He was among 20 riders who failed to reach the finish line, marking his second straight "Did Not Finish" following a similarly frustrating outing at the Boucle de l'Artois on April 4th.
While Hopkins reflected on a difficult day in the saddle, the headlines were dominated by a remarkable comeback story at the front of the pack. Jordan Jegat of TotalEnergies secured an emotional victory in his first race back since sidelined by persistent knee injuries.
Jegat showcased his climbing pedigree on the final ascent to Montfaucon, holding off a dual challenge from the Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale pair of Matthew Riccitello and Léo Bisiaux. The Frenchman’s tactical masterclass ensured he crossed the line solo to claim the title, leaving Riccitello and Bisiaux to settle for the remaining spots on the podium.
Despite the recent setbacks, Hopkins remains a key figure in the Atom 6 setup as the team continues its busy spring campaign. The Bermudian will be eager to shake off this run of misfortune and find his rhythm as the European road season intensifies.
