The annual Sinclair Packwood cycle race has been given official clearance to go ahead on Friday, the Bermuda Bicycle Association confirming yesterday it had received an exemption from the Ministry of National Security to hold the event in the usual format.

The race will start at 8.15am in St George’s with separate starts for the men and women. There will also be a youth race starting at the same time and covering the last two miles of the course to the finish line on Cedar Avenue.

Racing for the senior race will start in the Town of St George 15 minutes before the half-marathon road race, first with the men and then the women three minutes later.

The junior race will begin on Middle Road, Devonshire, and take the riders into Hamilton to Reid Street, then to Court Street and Front Street before turning right at the Birdcage to Queen Street. They will then turn right again at Church Street and then left to head down Cedar Avenue to the finish between Dundonald and Elliott Streets.

The last race was held in 2019 when Kaden Hopkins and Caitlin Conyers won their respective divisions. Neither will be on the island for Friday’s race, leaving the door open for new champions to be crowned.

“This year the BBA will be streaming both the men’s and women’s races live on their Facebook page,” president Peter Dunne said. “Commentary will be provided by Greg Hopkins and Julia Hawley and the production is coordinated by Kamryn Minors.

“The BBA is delighted to have the opportunity to continue this Bermuda Day tradition and pleased that Minister Ernest Peets will be joining us in the lead vehicle to experience the race from an exciting angle.”