There will be some speeding on Front Street tomorrow, but offenders need not worry about being ticketed...it will be entirely legal.

Billed as the most exciting form of cycle racing, the race is on to find out who Bermuda's best sprinter is.

Speeds of up to 40 miles per hour are expected as the Bermuda Bicycle Association (BBA) hosts the UPS Front Street Racing Series, involving the Island's top riders beginning at 1 p.m.

"It is one of the most thrilling spectator races as it is on the open road in full view for everyone,'' said BBA spokesman Greg Hopkins. "It's one of just two occasions that we get the chance to be on the road and it'll be a good event for the public to come out and watch.

"We even have the Pee Wees (under eight) doing short sprints and we welcome more to come and get involved.'' In addition to the sprint championships there will also be a criterium event immediately following where riders in various categories squaring off.

Sinclair Packwood will be out defending his crown in the Sprint Championships, but a new face is expected to emerge in the criterium, with 1994 champ Vance Stevens expected to give skip this year's event.

Long regarded as Bermuda's best sprinter Packwood this week indicated his desire to once again ride off with the trophy he has virtually owned the last 10 years.

And while admitting to not be near peak form, he felt he would yet have enough to hold off any challengers.

"It's all in the power...that is my forte,'' said Packwood. "I like looking a man in the eye and going head to head.

"I think there's some still competition this year, but I'll go out there with full intentions of winning.'' Packwood, who admittedly has devoted increasingly less time to training and competing over the last two years, added that a revival was at hand as he pledged a greater commitment.

As far as tactics on the day he said the key would be for him to stay in control of the race, know what the opponent will do and try to get the jump on him.

"You have to make the move first or it might be all over,'' said Packwood.

"I don't think anybody can beat me if I lead out the sprint.'' Challengers are expected to include reigning Bermuda Day Race champion Wayman Butterfield, Damon Wilson and Englishman Tim Palmer, while there is the unknown spectre of Stephan Carpentier, a Frenchman, who could cause a stir.

For the criterium the race is wide open, with Palmer listed as the early favourite on the heels of his capturing top honours in last week's 25 mile criterium.

However, Palmer seemed uncomfortable wearing the tag because of the varying nature of the course raced last week and the one for tomorrow, which has competitors racing along a loop course taking in most of Front Street.

"I won the race last week, but it was a hilly course. Front Street will be a lot different as it is flat,'' said Palmer, originally from Birmingham. "I don't know which way it will go for me, but I'll give it my best.

"My tactics would be to take out the sprinters early with surges and attacks.

Maybe cause them to lose a little spring in their legs.'' Hopkins said that he expects in the region of 60 cyclists on the day and appealed to the public for support.

The deadline for registration is tomorrow at 12.30 p.m., and interested persons are asked to sign up early at the New Winners Edge on Church Street.

SINCLAIR PACKWOOD -- Ready to make the first move.