Front Street Series, the first major cycling event of the season, and it has nothing to do with the weather.

A radical change in the course set-up is apparently causing consternation among some riders, while others are relishing the prospect of a new challenge.

Instead of the customary circuit, taking in Front, Court, Reid and Queen Streets, this year's event will follow a similar route to that used in the CD&P Classic for professional riders. Competitors will thus be required to make a climb up Burnaby Street and right onto Reid Street, one which will serve to sort out the field over the long haul.

"Definitely it makes it a totally different race to what it's been in the past,'' explained Greg Hopkins, spokesman for the BBA. "But, obviously, because the only people that have actually raced the course are those that have done the pro race in the CD&P Classic in the past, like Elliott and Kris Hedges and Tyler and a few others, it's caused a bit of a rumble amongst the cyclists.

"I guess with the fact that they have Burnaby Hill and mindful of how the pros race it, there's a bit of intimidation or apprehension on some of the riders' minds.

"At the end of the day I think people will say that it was more exciting, more challenging and more enjoyable, but it's definitely put a bit of a stir out there, so it'll be interesting on Sunday morning to see how people ride the course not having done it before, because it'll probably change the way the race goes.'' Hopkins added there was nothing sinister about the change. The BBA, he explained, were merely seeking to be more progressive and proactive in finding ways to better present and draw people to the sport.

"We're always looking for different courses to make it more interesting for the spectators and the riders themselves,'' he said. "With this course people can better see the expressions of the riders and have an idea of what may be going on in their heads.'' All of the Island's top senior and junior riders are expected to line up to vie for honours at the IBC event, which will involve both a criterium and sprint championship.

Defending champion and reigning `Rider of the Year' Steve Millington will look to retain his title in the morning's top event, the Category Two and Three race that has riders racing for an hour plus a lap.

Millington will look to build on the success of the season's first race, which he won ahead of Hopkins.

In what should be an interesting battle in the 45 minute Veterans class, Vic Ball may find his dominance challenged by the return of former Bermuda number one Clarke Tear.

Duncan Simons is doubtful for the defence of his `King of the Sprints' title as he struggles to regain form following a knee injury, leaving the door open for the likes of sprint specialists Earl Godfrey, Dayna Henry and Damion Wilson.

As well as the serious cyclists having their day, Front Street will likewise cater to the potential future champions with the ever popular Pee Wee races.

Action beings at 8.00 a.m.

The entry deadline is tomorrow at 5.30 at The Winners Edge Bike Shop on Church Street.

Way to go: Competitors in Sunday's Front Street IBC Series face a new challenge following organisers' decision to change the course.