The five-stage race this year involves competitors taking a new route via Wilkinson Avenue and not North Shore, as road works are currently under way.

Hamilton Harriers look to have a line-up capable of challenging for overall honours with the likes of Neil de Ste. Croix, Neil Halliday, Gary Taylor, Steve Donnelly and Simon Moore passing the baton amongst each other.

Other pre-race favourites would include MAAC Masters in the male masters category, which contains members of the Educators team that recently captured the top prize in the Corporate Relay.

Annette Booth and Jane Christie anchor an all-women's outfit that looks like being very competitive in that category, while Brett Forgesson and Anna Eatherley lead another five-member squad in the mixed division.

Entries for the event, sponsored by Colonial Insurance and American Airlines, close tomorrow at 5 p.m. with a fee of $40 required. Forms may be collected and returned to Colonial Insurance, Sportseller or New Winner's Edge.

Race numbers can be collected from Colonial on Friday from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. or on Saturday at Sportseller from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.

YOUTH BASEBALL BB Bank of Bermuda Royals regained a share of first place in the Bermuda Youth Sports Programme Rookie League on Saturday with a 14-4 hammering of English Sports Shop Phillies.

In a much closer affair, Batson Swan Reds extended Bermuda Forwarders Pirates' run of futility to nine straight in the loss column. Once again Pirates came close, only to have Reds prevail 5-4.

Butterfield and Steinhoff Mariners continued their climb from the depths of the division, moving past the .500 mark with a thrilling 12-10 triumph against Ace Mets.

There were two games played in the Little League and had league leaders Mailboxes Unlimited Cardinals devouring Yamaha Reds 14-3, while Grey and Kempe Pirates got the better of Island Press Mariners 15-9.

SOCCER SOC Those interested in playing for St. David's are invited to meet with the coach and management on Thursday at the club (7.30 p.m.).

Devonshire Cougars will hold a meeting on Thursday (7 p.m.) for all players and any others wishing to represent the team next season.