Defending champion Neil de Ste. Croix hopes to have Lady Luck riding with him on Monday as he looks to claimr back-to-back victories in the Sinclair Packwood Memorial Cycling Race.

The 21st edition of the prestigious event, recognised by local riders as the most important on the race calendar, should boast a high quality field with the likes of de Ste. Croix, Wayne Scott and Garth Thomson all gunning for victory.

In last year's spectacle, a sensational early break from de Ste. Croix left the more fancied Thomson and then defending champion Ricky Sousa jr in his wake.

The veteran athlete and former coach of triathlon star Flora Duffy sped across the finish line on Cedar Avenue some 100 metres ahead of the chasing pack after breaking away as far back as Inverurie Hill in Paget in what almost amounts to a sprint event.

De Ste. Croix knows that he'll have to be at his best to hold off those eager to end his reign as champion.

"I am looking forward to it," said de Ste. Croix. "It is always a fun race."

"This year is completely wide open. Last year I had to hold off Garth Thomson and Ricky Sousa.

"I believe everyone will be a lot quicker this year, and if you had to pick a favourite, it would either have to be under two situations.

"If it is a sprint to the finish, Wayne Scott would have the edge in my opinion. But if it isn't decided by a sprint, there would be a good chance that Garth Thomson would be a clear favourite."

While his preparations are ongoing, having raced in the Spring Road Race Series on the local circuit, the defending champ believes that luck will play its part in deciding Monday's winner.

"There is a lot of luck involved, and you have to be in the right place at the right time in order to capitalise on situations that may occur during the course of the race.

"I am way better prepared than last year. I am fit, so I feel good.

"I just have no idea of what others have been doing."

At 43-years-old, and with experience on his side, the road runner, triathlete and cyclist made it clear what he will be using to guide him to victory lane again.

"I have been riding every week, so I am prepared," he continued.

"I know I have a target on my back as the defending champion. Everyone will have their eyes on me.

"I will be leaning more on my experience than physical strength and speed, and as I said before there is so much luck involved you just have to be prepared for what is thrown your way.

"I haven't been doing any secret training, I will just be ready and see how the race unfolds."

The race, from Somerset to Cedar Avenue in Hamilton, gets underway on Monday at 9.30 a.m., preceding the Marathon Derby road race.