SUNDAY'S National Road Race Championship is wide open and could be one of the most exciting for years, predict organisers.

Bermuda's top two riders will miss out as they fight it out in overseas competitions.

Kris Hedges won it last year but is cycling in France while fellow local Geri Mewett is doing the same in the United States.

Wayne Scott could be in pole position having just returned from overseas riding although last year Ricky Sousa ran him close and could prove a big threat.

"I think you will see a challenge from Ricky Sousa, Kent Richardson, Greg Hopkins and Garth Thompson," said Bermuda Bicycle Association President Dannielle Bezant.

The prestigious annual competition, this year sponsored by RMS Construction, is the longest distance in Bermuda covering 75 miles in laps around Southside. The route depends on the state of the local roadworks.

"For 75 miles we like to get the longest course possible."

Any rider can compete to become the national champion of Bermuda and tactics and fitness are equally important says Bezant.

"It's 75 miles but we don't start until 8 o'clock so it is obviously going to be hot. It's a matter of being able to stay hydrated ? it's non-stop. They keep going and going and going."

Riders clock average of up to 25 mph during the gruelling event. This year there are two teams competing, adding extra spark to the tournament. The New Winner's Edge team are vying with RMS Fittech.

"I think you will see great tactics between those two teams. For the observer it will be very exciting. Usually in a team they decide who their potential winner is and they protect that rider. If New Winner's Edge send somebody up front then Fittech will send somebody to go after them to bring them back.

"But I wouldn't rule out the independent riders. I would still love to see more teams form. I think it's wonderful ? great for the sport. There's been attempts in previous years to have teams. This is the first year we have had two major teams but if we could have four teams it would be better. There's no limit."

In the Vet's category she said Vic Ball is extremely strong. He did 16 laps in two hours, 29 minutes and 25.44 seconds last year with Peter Dunne less than a second behind him. There are also novice and veteran categories in both genders.

The following Sunday riders will compete in time trials which are a mental battle says Bezant.

"It's you against the clock. Riders set off a minute apart. There are people who can ride a road race who cannot time trial because there's only you, it's a mental challenge."

There are no international races scheduled in Bermuda this year although some local riders are planning to head to Montreal for the Coupe Des Amerique in July.

Bermuda will be sending a men's team for the Caribbean championships in October to St. Lucia. The Association will not be sending a women's team to the tournament. "We sent one last year to St. Vincent but they didn't have any competitors."

However the organisation in St. Lucia should be better. The biggest event for riders in Bermuda is the Grand Prix in September which attracts overseas professionals as well as a large amateur contingent.

It will be held in several locations including St. George's for the first time as well as legs in Hamilton, Southside and Dockyard.

"We have hit all the major points of the island. Peter Dunne has done an excellent job in organising it. It will probably be the best Grand Prix we have every had.

"It's a real draw because we have become part of a women's series and it is the final event of the series. They pick four major races. This is the gold nugget at the end. There should be a very strong women's field come down this year."

The Small Island Games and Commonwealth Games are also on the horizon for the sport as well as the Youth Commonwealth games this December.

"We are looking at sending a couple of our young riders but it is very difficult to gauge it. It has never had cycling before.

"It's hard to gauge what level they ride at. I am sure the UK and Canada will send their top riders."

Around 100 members of the Association's 250 members are active says Bezant. A lot of youngsters get interested from doing triathlons and then dropping the running and swimming as they hit their teenage years.

Then they are lost to the sport as they go off-island for schooling. But numbers are boosted by thirty-somethings who suddenly take up the sport.

"We have a great group of vets and a group under the age of 15 but there's a huge gap between although we have a few in that category who are very good."

www.bermudabicycle.org