French-like ambiance with the Conyers, Dill and Pearman Grand Prix Classic later this month (September 21-24).

The event, which has grown in stature in recent years and ranks on the international calendar once again, has drawn a strong response from various overseas pro teams and riders despite taking place during the Olympics.

Welcomed to the Island will be more than 100 top ranking competitors, along with a sizeable offering of Bermuda's best `pedal pushers'.

"So far a total of 12 male and five female overseas elite teams are scheduled to take to the roads,'' said race committee chairman Paul Claude. "Their calibre is outstanding -- many of the riders are in their country's top 10.

"The top two US teams, Mercury and Saturn, have confirmed, together with highly regarded teams such as Navigators, Shaklee and Volkswagen, so it should be an exciting four days.'' The Grand Prix offers Bermuda cyclists the unique opportunity to compete alongside world renowned cyclists in the four-stage event, which includes a Thursday evening Front Street criterium for the Pro One and Two male and female elite riders; a six-mile time trial on Friday; followed by a 75-mile road race on Saturday; and, finally, a 90-minute criterium about the streets of Hamilton on Sunday.

Bermuda Bicycle Association have scored a major coup with both the male and female teams from Saturn due here, courtesy of Chubb Atlantic, while XL is backing Shaklee.

ACE have elected to support the French female team, Etoile Conde-sur-Noireau, whose cyclists will join top local female Melanie Claude in a bid to help her retain last year's title as the top female finisher.

Strong challenges for the female title are expected from CellularOne's squad, as well as those from Schwab, BGA, Proctor and Gamble and TeleBermuda's Canadian National Female Junior Team.

Two outfits new to Bermuda include Volkswagen and Team Richard Sachs, which has Bermuda's newest rising star, Kris Hedges, aboard.

Elliott Hubbard's appearance for Navigators is in doubt after he suffered a broken collar bone in a training crash.

The top Bermudian cyclist recently now finds himself in a race against time in terms of being fit enough to compete. Hubbard narrowly lost his title as winner of the Classic Criterium to team-mate Trent Klasna a year ago.

VISITING TEAMS Male: Navigators, Saturn, Shaklee, Snow Valley, Jet Fuel, Volkswagen, Mercury, Hottubes, Tokyo Joe, Linda McCartney, Focal Communications, Richard Sachs, 7UP.

Female: Elita, Schwab, Saturn, Proctor and Gamble, Autotrader, Etoile Conde-sur-Noireau, Canadian Junior National.

Danger man: Trent Klasna, on his way to victory in last year's CD&P Grand Prix Front Street road race. Klasna's Navigators are one of 17 elite teams to have confirmed for this year.