About 100 riders will take part in the opening race of the Flying Colours Mountain Bike Series at the Southlands property in Warwick on Sunday.

Flora Duffy, who defended her World Xterra Championships title this month, will be among those on the start line in the category A race to add even more excitement to the event.

Leading the charge will be last season’s series winner Matthew Oliviera, who is coming off a strong road bike season, which included two silver medals at last summer’s Junior Caribbean Cycling Championships in the Dominican Republic.

Several other top young riders will be pushing for honours including Kaden Hopkins, Dylan Hill and Robin Horsefield.

With the addition of last year’s National Championship winner Gary Raynor, Chequan Richardson and the experienced Mark Hatherley, the stage is set for a highly-competitive race.

And if Dominique Mayho, Bermuda’s top rider, who is presently off the Island, makes an appearance then cycling fans could be treated to one of the most interesting off-road bike races in Bermuda.

With Hopkins, Hill and Raynor stepping up to the A category, the B category, which usually boasts the biggest field, will feature Jenai Robinson, Adam Kirk and Andrew Hern vying for top spot.

Karen Bordage is expected lead the women’s field, but with Sarah Bonnet and Ashley Robinson, as well top junior rider Alyssa Rowse moving up to the adult division, it should be a fascinating battle.

The race will feature male and female novice categories and four junior divisions.

Sunday’s action gets under way at 8.30am and is sponsored by Becks Beer and sanctioned by the Bermuda Bicycle Association.