There could be a more multi-cultural flavour to this year?s CD&P Bermuda Grand Prix.

Organisers of the Island?s most prestigious cycling series are hoping to lure pro male riders from the Caribbean and Portugal for the September 22-25 event.

Event director Peter Dunne disclosed yesterday that his focus would be on securing entries from these geographical locations in an attempt to increase interest in the 12th edition of the Grand Prix, given the sizeable Portuguese and West Indian communities in Bermuda.

While the Grand Prix has attracted competitors from North America, the UK and some parts of Europe, Dunne believes it stands to gain tremendously if he succeeds in his quest to put the Elite men?s field on par with the women?s.

?The pro men?s field is where I am going to concentrate my efforts this year. Last year we didn?t get enough commitment from teams early on and I want to make sure that we get as strong a pro men?s field as possible. If we can mirror the depth in the women?s field that would be an incredible achievement. The women?s field we had last year was as good as almost any women?s race in North America last year.

?I?d like to find a men?s team out of the Caribbean. I think that would be really exciting because there are some exceptional national teams down there and I think we would get a lot of public support for that. For example, if we could get a Jamaican national team or some sort of composite Caribbean team that would be a great crowd draw,? he said.

?My long shot is to see if I can get a pro team out of Portugal. I think that would attract more locals because those with Portuguese heritage might feel they have an interest of sorts.?

Regarding local participation, Dunne will also be trying to get hometown favourite Tyler Butterfield ? now riding with France?s top amateur outfit Vendee U ? to defend the Men?s Elite title which he surprisingly captured last year.

?I?m going to encourage Tyler Butterfield and his team as much as I can to come. We have a good contact there from the management standpoint with Philippe Mauduit,? noted the event director, referring to the French coach who worked here with the Bermuda Bicycle Association (BBA).

The Grand Prix will again utilise various locations from Dockyard to St. George?s. While details are yet to be finalised, Dockyard has been confirmed as the location for the event finale as it provided a great family atmosphere last year.

Bermuda will again be the final stage of the four-segment Women?s Prestige Cycling Series that last year brought the largest field of professional women cyclists ever to these shores.

Dunne and CD&P?s Marketing Manager Ross Webber also announced a three-year extension of the current sponsorship deal to cover 2006-2008.

?CD&P?s willingness to extend their sponsorship of the Bermuda Grand Prix is tremendous. It allows the BBA to make extended plans and to concentrate on enhancing other aspects of the event. The additional three years of sponsorship is a major boost for local cycling,? said Dunne.

Expressing satisfaction with the BBA?s ?dedication, accountability and professionalism? in running the Grand Prix, Webber noted CD&P wanted to ensure the cycling spectacle did not suffer financially as other high-profile Bermuda sporting events have done.