Bermuda Bicycle Association (BBA) president Peter Dunne is expecting an exciting 2010 edition of the Sinclair Packwood Memorial Race on Monday after a record number of cyclists signed up to take on the course.

Last year's winner, Graeme Miller, is no longer on the Island and it is expected to be any one of five riders that will take line honours.

New Zealander Miller snatched the 22nd title from 2008 champion Wayne Scott after the new boy used experience and wisdom to conquer the 13-mile course.

He crossed the finish line two-bike lengths ahead of Scott to win his maiden title.

With Scott again signed up and looking to reclaim his crown, Dunne is excited about what the race has in store for spectators.

"We have about 75 entries this year," said Dunne. "It is the biggest field we have ever had and I think the numbers will make a better spectacle.

"I think the main contenders will Garth Thomson (Altree Bicycle Works), Arthur Pitcher (Altree Bicycle Works), Scott Williams (Team Madison), Mark Hatherley (Winners Edge) and Wayne Scott (Winners Edge).

"Of course this race is so short that there is always the chance of others pulling off a solo victory if they can surprise the field early enough.

"Every local cyclist dreams of winning this race and if anyone feels they have a chance then they will go for it.

"Of course there are favourites, but the rest of the field is determined to be there at the finish and the crowds will spur on everyone."

One person who will surely be trying to get to the finish line first will be Thomson, who will be riding in the race for the last time before leaving Bermuda and returning to Canada.

Thomson, Bermuda's national time trial champion, along with former Bermuda and Cup Match cricketer Arthur Pitcher, are expected to be in the front pack pushing for the 2010 title.

Dunne believes that with the sport of cycling growing locally, this year's event can certainly exceed expectations of past race days.

"First, we are hoping that with the increased field we can continue to have a safe event.

"Spectators are in for a great sight as the peloton leaves Somerset and rolls over Scaur Hill.

"Cycling is definitely growing in Bermuda and the 2010 edition of the Sinclair Packwood Memorial Race will be a demonstration of this.

"There are many of Sinclair's friends currently active in promoting the sport locally like Wayne Scott and Fred Swan and they have carried the torch of Sinclair's enthusiasm for cycling to many new individuals who now enjoy the competition of bike racing."

Sargeant Major Ian Port of the Bermuda Regiment will, for the second year running, do both the cycle and the run on Monday, using all means of transportation in one day.

Port will be a participant in the Packwood Memorial before jumping on a jet ski immediately after the race in order for him to get to the start line of the derby in time.

Port finished respectably in both the ride and run last year, something that is remarkable in itself.

The Sinclair Packwood Memorial Race starts at 9am.