A buzz of excitement is audible among the junior ranks of the Bermuda Bicycle Association following the announcement that a special 15 minute race is to be staged prior to the start of this year's Conyers, Dill and Pearman Classic event later this month.

The event, which for the first time will be held on a Friday night in the centre of Hamilton, is bound to attract the same large crowds that have thronged annually to this stage of the four day event.

The course, which will see the riders racing up Burnaby Hill on each of the one-mile circuits, was used for the Association's Front Street races in March and proved a big hit with local riders.

Association spokesman Greg Hopkins said: "There was some concern about the juniors going up Burnaby Hill when we introduced the course in March, but most of them just flew up it.

"It was exciting seeing these youngsters riding the hill like pros, they loved it."

Regarding the inclusion of the race prior to the main professional races later in the evening Hopkins said: "We have a lot of young riders racing week in and week out and they are normally overshadowed by the seniors.

"This is a great opportunity for them to show how well they can ride. They deserve the spotlight for a change. I can assure you they will put on a great show."

The CD&P Grand Prix organisers have changed the format of the event this year, holding the time trial at Southside on the Thursday, the Classic on Friday in Hamilton, a road race at Southside on the Saturday and then returning to Hamilton for a series of circuit races in the city centre on Sunday. Also, for the first time the Classic event will form part of the General Classification for the weekend, adding more significance to the result on Friday night.

Tour De France heroes George Hincapie and Tyler Hamilton, both of whom were significant factors in Lance Armstrong winning the most important event in cycling for the past three years are already signed up, as is US Postal Service teammate Dylan Casey and they will form a formidable team that is sure to challenge for the overall title this year.

The Grand Prix starts on September 20.