Former Grand Prix winner, Elliot Hubbard will be a frustrated spectator when this year's event rolls through the streets of Hamilton.

The Team Navigators rider was looking forward to racing in his home event until an horrific training accident left him sidelined.

Hubbard was negotiating a hill while on a run in the US last month when a flat tyre caused him to lose control at high speed.

In the ensuing fall he suffered a broken collarbone, sprained wrist and bruised ribs -- all of which added up to him having to sit out the CD&P event.

However, Hubbard is travelling to the Island and will link up with Bermuda's cycling coach, Greg Hopkins to commentate on the event for the expected throng of spectators lining the course.

"I think just being involved in the race in some aspect will be good for me,'' said Hubbard.

"It is obviously going to be hard sitting on the sidelines but it's not something I can control.'' Hubbard was advised to rest up immediately after his accident and he has only recently begun training in a limited capacity.

"The healing is going according to plan. I've been riding a stationary trainer and expect to be on the road in very little time,'' he said.

Hubbard said it was possible he could still take part in some events as the year draws to a close.

"I'm just going to see how the recovery goes and how I feel once I get back on the bike. But I'm not going to try and rush to make it back for one more race -- it makes more sense to take it easy and let my body heal 100 percent,'' he said.

"I may get one more chance to race before the season is out, but if it doesn't happen it won't kill me.'' Turning his thoughts to the Grand Prix, Hubbard said he expected the competition to be fierce.

"Mercury are coming with very strong team I've heard. They are always a force to be reckoned with, especially on courses such as the Grand Prix is going to offer this year,'' he said.

"There are not too many hills and they have got some very strong riders on the flat and for criteriums, so they will definitely be a very dangerous contender.'' Team Saturn would also be in the thick of the action, Hubbard said, and he also fancied the chances of his own team-mates at Navigators.

"I have to mention my own team. We have got some talented riders. Todd Littlehales who came last year is coming again,'' said Hubbard.

"He is coming back from injury as well -- the same thing as me, a broken collarbone -- but apparently he has been riding really well lately. "He again is very good on those kind of courses -- not extreme long distances and not too many hills. Coming back from injury he should be fresh, he is not going to be burned out,'' he said.

While not established as a top meet yet, the Grand Prix was attractive to the top teams, Hubbard said.

"It's definitely not a major event on their calendar,'' he said. "I think it is kind of viewed as a bonus -- to get to come to Bermuda is a privilege for most riders. Doing the races is, for a lot of them, just part of the job, but getting a trip to Bermuda out of the deal is an extra bonus.'' That said, Hubbard, made clear that competitors would be taking the event very seriously.

"It is fun racing and it is challenging. In recent years it has become a really good level of competition -- world class,'' he said. "It is definitely a challenge, it's not going to be a walk in the park. It's going to be exciting this year, definitely.'' Sitting it out: Elliot Hubbard will be handling a microphone rather than a bicycle after injury ruled him out of this year's CD&P Grand Prix.