Eighteen of Bermuda's most promising junior cyclists will compete in the fourth Annual Cobblestone Stage Race, starting in Buffalo, New York, tomorrow.

The group, which left the Island yesterday, includes Timmy Fox, Ricky Sousa, Adam Petty, Geoffrey Burns, Chris Conway and Matthew Herring. There are two females - Caitlyn Conyers and Melissa DeSilva - also making the trip.

The three-day competition consists of a criterium on the first and third day with a road race sandwiched inbetween on Friday. Points scored in each stage of the event will be accumulated to determine a participant's overall placing.

Team manager of the Bermuda contingent, Danielle Bezant, said the squad's best hopes for success lie with Sousa and Fox. The latter won two stages of the competition in his age group last year while Sousa won one stage. Both are in the 11-12 category this year.

"We expect them to perform very well. They are both very strong riders and are capable of being among the winners," she said prior to the team's departure yesterday morning.

A good showing is also anticipated from Herring in the 15-16 age group but Bezant said the girls would probably have a difficult time in their respective categories as they would not have the benefit of team-mates to assist them. Conyers will compete among 13-14 females while DeSilva is in the 17-18 age category.

"It's going to be very competitive and aggressive and they will be riding alone. Bigger countries like the US tend to come with teams and they will block single riders who they think might be strong contenders," explained the manager.

Top national cyclist Kris Hedges, who will compete in the adult segment of the race, will join the group in Buffalo and coach his young compatriots for the event.