Past champion Darren Glasford is among those who could stand tallest on the podium after this year’s Sinclair Packwood Memorial Race.

The Winner’s Edge cyclist won the prestigious race in 2011 and, while he does not necessary consider himself a favourite, is expected to be thick in the hunt for honours in the absence of last year’s winner, Dominic Mayho, who is not back to defend his title in the 13-mile race.

“My mindset going in is always trying to win the race,” Glasford told The Royal Gazette. “I probably stand no chance but that’s not how I am thinking right now.

“As age is a factor, sometimes you have to realise that you are not the favourite but you still have to put yourself in a position because anything can happen.

“People could crash, get a flat or make a tactical mistake, so you have to be in it to win it. You have to put yourself in position to benefit from that.

“It’s a short race. Thirteen miles is not a normal race, so it’s kind of unique like a sprint without being a sprint, I guess.”

Another notable absentee from this year’s race is last year’s runner-up Kavin Smith, while the likes Kaden Hopkins, Connor White and Nicholas Narraway, who won silver at the Pan American Road Cycling Championships in Brazil on Wednesday, are all competing overseas.

Glasford believes newcomer and fellow Winner’s Edge team-mate Matt Boys is the firm favourite to secure Mayho’s vacant title on the big day.

The Australian former professional, who moved to Bermuda in December, is making his race debut and warmed up with a dominant display on the way to winning this month’s VT Construction Criterium at the Bermuda Motorpsorts Park in St David’s in the absence of champion Mayho.

“Matt is the favourite to win on Bermuda Day,” Glasford said.

“He and Dominic have been battling since the season started and he won the last Criterium, lapping the field.

“He is definitely going to be the favourite for Bermuda Day and he is definitely fit.”

Meanwhile, a new women’s champion will also be crowned this year as last year’s winner Panzy Olander is not back to defend her title.

Among those favoured to land the vacant title is former champion and race record holder Caitlin Conyers, who did not compete in last year’s event.

“May 24 is by far the best race on the calendar, so I am very excited and looking forward to it,” she said.

“I am working full-time again so training means waking up at 5am during the week, which is not always easy.

“But I have been looking towards this race and trying to get myself out on my bike training, and I feel good.”

Conyers stormed to a dominant victory in 2019, crossing the line in 27min 41.5sec to eclipse the previous women’s record of 30:28.314, set by Zoenique Williams in 2015 by almost three minutes.

The race begins at the former Arnold’s Supermarket on Somerset Road and finishes on Cedar Avenue in Hamilton.

The Sinclair Packwood Memorial Youth Classic will also be held on the Bermuda Day holiday.

The race, involving junior boys and girls, aged between 11 and 14, starts from Red Hole Dock on Harbour Road in Paget and also finishes on Cedar Avenue.

Makao Butterfield and Kelise Wade claimed the boys and girls 12 to 14 titles last year, while Walker Smith and Romy Drea led the field across the line in the under-11 boys and girls divisions.