With all the international attention being gathered by the Bermuda Grand Prix, could a Tour of Bermuda be far behind? Bermuda Bicycle Association (BBA) spokesman Greg Hopkins and Grand Prix director Kip Herring certainly think it's a distinct possibility, especially with the Grand Prix having attracted more than 80 top overseas cyclists, including teams from Ireland, England, Canada and the United States.

Add to that the fact that there is a gap in the American cycling calendar brought on by the collapse of the Tour du Pont and one can see their reason for optimism.

The once thriving stage race was literally shot down in the wake of the conviction of John E. du Pont, heir to the du Pont chemical fortune, for the third degree murder of Olympic gold medal winning wrestler David Schultz.

"We would like to -- based on the growth from last year -- put this on the US calendar as one of the major events,'' said Herring, during a recent interview.

"I believe that is quite possible. There is a hole in the calendar because of the demise of the Tour du Pont and certainly we're seeing some benefit from that now, with some of the teams coming in that would otherwise be engaged in the du Pont.

"So what we'd like to do, assuming we have great success this year and the word spreads, is have the majority of the professional teams down here next year as opposed to a sprinkling of them that we have this year and we believe that's a real, feasible possibility.'' Hopkins agreed, noting how some of those set to take to local streets had heard of the Bermuda event while in such far reaches as China.

"We really need to look for this event to grow in stature,'' said Hopkins, who along with Herring has worked tirelessly behind the scenes to secure the best field ever assembled on local shores.

"We have the potential based on what we're seeing this year to make this a major race on the international calendar.

"We need for Bermuda to come through and help us out in so far as securing more attractive courses to the riders.'' However, there are obvious problems because of the Island's small size and the requirement that roads be closed for periods of time.

Currently the former baselands in St.David's are used to form cycling loops for the longer races while a Tour of Bermuda would certainly require the opening of main thoroughfares to competitors.

Both Herring and Hopkins alluded to the difficulty, with Herring offering the suggestion of rolling road closures that would minimise the inconvenience to motorists.

"It's a perfect place and it could be an event of real international stature if we could just get the course, that's clearly one of the keys,'' said Herring.

In the meantime local affectionados can take solace in this year's four stage Grand Prix that gets underway tomorrow evening with the Conyers, Dill and Pearman Classic on tap on Front Street.

It continues on Friday with a 10-mile time trial, followed by a 75-mile road race on Saturday and a criterion around the streets of Hamilton on Sunday.

GREG HOPKINS -- `potential for a major race'.