when the Bermuda Bicycle Association holds their annual IBC Front Street Race series.

The opportunity will be there for not only the Island's top riders to showcase their talents in a series of afternoon sprint events, but also for the recreational riders to enjoy traffic-free roads, event organiser Greg Hopkins said yesterday.

To accomodate this, there will be events in junior classes -- Pee-wee (8-and-under) and BMX (juniors) as well as a 20-minute citizens race.

Hopkins says this will allow people to enjoy riding along with with other cyclists without being intimidated by motor vehicles. There will be no pressure, either, in the beginners race, which in past years has seen children show up on tricycles and bikes with training wheels. The only requirement is the wearing of helmets, Hopkins added.

A new introduction to the series this year will be two BMX races. BMX bike racing has become a popular sport on the Island, Hopkins said.

Sunday's action gets underway at noon from the flagpole on Front Street with all events except the citizens ride requiring pre-registration by Friday.

Sprints and criteriums involving Category 2 and 3 cyclists, as well as veterans and women, figure to highlight the day. All competitors and helpers are eligible for a draw for a new Cannondale mountain bike.