Six former winners will be among a strong field for Monday's Heritage Day Cycling Classic.

And this year's Somerset-to-Hamilton race will be a poignant occasion, as it will be known by a new title, the Sinclair Packwood Memorial Race.

Packwood, who died suddenly at the age of 36 in November last year, won the May 24 race in 1992 and 1993 and remains the only rider to have recorded back-to-back wins. His widow Marie will be at the finishing line to present the trophy. Last year's winner MacInnis Looby will not be defending his title as he is away racing in California.

But previous champions in the fray will be Daren Dowling (1988), Carlos DeSilva (1989 and 1991), Mike Lee (1990), Whayman Butterfield (1994), Damion Wilson (1996) and Jeff Payne (1997).

In the Bermuda Bicycle Association road races this season, Jason Krupp, Duncan Simons and newcomer Steve Millington have all recorded victories and will be serious challengers.

Race organiser Greg Hopkins believes a Canadian who has gone close to winning several times could turn out to be the man to watch.

"Peter Eccles hasn't recorded a win this year but he has been without doubt the most consistent and strongest rider on the scene with top finishes in every race this year,'' he said. "Everyone's talking about who's been showing good form up until now, but riders like Damion Wilson and Vance Stevens have shown recent indications they are in great shape.

"If we are all together in Hamilton, you have to favour the sprinters like Dayna Henry, Whayman Butterfield and Damion, but to be totally honest there are probably 20 riders right now who on a given day can take the title.'' Teenagers Jonathan Herring and Tyler Butterfield have been in sparkling form on the bike during the triathlon season and will also fancy their chances.

Eccles was looking forward to an exciting contest, but said the 13.25-mile distance was too short to suit his strengths.

"It's not the best kind of race for me, it's more of a sprinters' race,'' said Eccles, who placed second in the veteran class last year in his debut Heritage Day Classic.

"I have a feeling that Greg (Hopkins), Jason (Krupp) and Tyler (Butterfield) will go off the front early and I would try to stay with that group.

"Jason has a wicked sprint, but I will try to keep the speed high enough to burn off some of his sprinting power.'' After his experience of last year, Eccles felt the race was special, particularly now it was being held in memory of the late Packwood.

"Point-to-point races are rare, so in that way it's special. The route's kind of special and the reason for the race is special.

"The crowds turn out when you hit town and right then you are really hurting, but seeing them out there takes some of the pain away.'' Tight corner: Youngsters Tyler Butterfield and Jonathan Herring will be among those hoping to clinch the Sinclair Packwood Memorial Trophy.