The heat will be on this Sunday as Island-based cyclists press their claims to represent Bermuda internationally.

The likes of Karl Outerbridge, Kent Richardson, Andrew Kain and Jean-Nicolas Bertrand are expected to use the annual IBC Front Street cycle races (60-minute criterium) to showcase their credentials ahead of team selection for various competitions this year.

"This is one of our final selection races for the people who are going to represent Bermuda at the Pan-Am Games, the Small Island Games and the World 'B' Championships because we have to forward the names to all the organising committees by the end of March.

"We only have a few races before the end of March. This is one of them where we will be evaluating all the people who are hoping to represent Bermuda," said race director Martin Bolton.

These riders - along with the overseas-based trio of Kris Hedges, Geri Mewett and Wayne Scott - are likely to make up Bermuda's squads to the year's major meets. Jonathan Herring is also "under consideration", disclosed Bolton.

Melanie Claude and Julia Hawley are expected to dominate the women's criterium, with Karen Smith and Lynn Patchett also battling for honours and national selection.

"All the top riders will probably get to go somewhere, assuming they're fit," noted Bolton, adding that different competitions permit teams of different sizes.

Another important criteria is what meets allow Bermuda residents to represent the Island and which ones limit representation to citizens only. That, said Bolton, would affect selection.

While the adults sweat it out seriously, the races are being billed as a fun-filled event for children.

"The sponsor - IBC - imagine it as a kids' day out so we're going to have fun castles, face painting and La Trattoria will be catering. We're trying to make it more of a family thing. We're very grateful to IBC who have put in some more money this year," said Bolton.

Races in the junior divisions have been increased significantly with racing taking place in every age category, for both boys and girls.

"In the past, we had five-and-under and six-and-over but this year we will have individual races for each age category. It starts with four-and-under and then goes to five, six and seven-year-olds and then eight-and-over."

There are also races for teenagers, novices and a sprint championship. The competition starts at 11 a.m. The registration deadline is 5 p.m. and entry forms can be submitted to Winner's Edge or the Sportseller.