The battle for top billing among the women could actually overshadow the men's results in this year's CD&P Bermuda Grand Prix.

Speaking at yesterday's Press conference at CD&P's office, event director Peter Dunne noted that while the 2004 pro field is comprised equally of men and women, there are higher-profile riders among the females than there are among the males.

In addition, competition in the four-day series will be particularly keen for women as Bermuda is staging the final leg of the inaugural Women's Prestige Cycling Series and has therefore attracted a “record number of participants in the elite women's field”.

“On the women's side we have ten teams from the Women's Prestige Cycling Series who have qualified to come here and probably some of the best competition is going to be seen in that category,” said Dunne.

Among the women slated to vie for top honours are Laura Van Gilder, Gina Grain, Katrina Grove and Kendra Wenzel.

“I think the women's field is a significant aspect of this event this year. Unquestionably, that's the most consistent level of competition,” added the event director.

While none of the male cycling superstars which the Grand Prix has lured in the past are coming this year, several pro teams and individual riders from North American will compete as well as some junior development teams.

Some of the top American teams which will be in action on Bermuda's roads are Ital Pasta, Team Endeavour, Subway Express and Snow Valley for which top local cyclist Kris Hedges previously competed. The latter will represent VC Pontivy, the French team which he joined last season. Each foreign team has been adopted by a local sponsor and will wear that sponsor's name and colours.

Two other Bermudians - Tyler Butterfield and Geri Mewett - are linking up with American Jonathan Erdelyi to represent Winners Edge.

“I think they will make a great combination and provide great competition for the rest of the group,” said Dunne.

“In addition Kris' former team-mates are here from Snow Valley which will be an interesting reunion for them, to see him in a new setting.”

Meanwhile, Butterfield - rejuvenating himself from his triathlon exploits at the Olympics - pledged to do his best to support his team-mates' quest since they are good sprinters and he is not.

Noting that riding in triathlons is a far cry from criteriums and sprinting, the 21-year-old said he does “not have any expectations” of himself and has been training in a more relaxed manner since returning from Athens.

“This is just about getting used to riding in the pack again. Tomorrow night will be a lot of fun and it will be fast. It's a criterium which I am not used to because I have not ridden on that type of circuit for the last couple years,” he said.

“I'll do my best and, if I can help Geri or Jonathan in any way, I will.”