Bermuda Bicycle Association moves into top gear this Sunday with the first event of a busy season for the Island's cyclists.

While many of the stalwarts have been training hard through the winter months in preparation, cycling's governing body have also been working hard trying to attract new riders to the sport, which has enjoyed a steady growth in recent years.

Spokesperson for the Association Greg Hopkins said: "Throughout the winter months we have held clinics for juniors and novices which we do every year, working to keep our youngsters interested through the off-season as well as introducing new riders to the sport.

"However, this year there was a new emphasis. We have had six clinics for women only. It is an area of our sport, among others, that has lacked depth and we thought we would try to address it to see if we could attract more women to cycling.

"Our membership secretary Sharon Fenn was the driving force behind the initiative but many of our top riders, including all of our national squad riders, volunteered their time to run the clinics. It was a big success with up to 25 women attending the weekend sessions."

Hopkins admitted that he didn't expect all of those who attended to be on the start line for Sunday's first race of the year. "We had a wide cross-section of participants at the clinics, some just wanted to improve their bike handling skills, which was fine. Others may decide to try racing."

The Association made another change in the off-season by introducing some new categories including a `women's novice' division which could see more participation.

Hopkins explained: "In the past because of the small number of women racing we basically had one category for them. By introducing a novice category and keeping the distances shorter, we hope more women will come out and try racing."

Women, albeit in small numbers, have become a force to be reckoned with in recent years with the Island's two top females, Melanie Claude and Julia Hawley, battling it out with the men's divisions locally as well as enjoying international success.

Both riders are presently trying to gain selection for the upcoming Commonwealth Games in Manchester in July.

Their coach, Hopkins, believes their reputation may be intimidating to other women, but doesn't think that it should be.

"Melanie and Julia have shown what women can do in our sport. Last year they rode in the top men's category locally but this year we have introduced a category two women's division for them.

"They will race the same distances as the men but will not be riding against the other women. Hopefully other women will use them for motivation to improve."

All of the Island's top riders are expected to be on the start line on Sunday with the dominant local rider in 2001, Steve Millington, already having shown signs that he is in shape during a recent time trial event.

Fellow national team rider MacInnis Looby is still on the Island and after strong performances in the recently completed mountain bike races, and the new off-road national champion will be looking to prove he is as strong on the tarmac as he is on the dirt.

With riders needing to compete in three events to qualify for an invitation to race in the May 24 Sinclair Packwood Memorial Road race, organisers are expecting a good turn-out for Sunday's race at the Southside facility in St. David's.

Registration is at 8 a.m. for an 8.30 start.