favourites in Monday's 11th Heritage Day cycle race.

But the only sure thing about this race is that it is difficult to predict a winner.

Since the first race in 1987 when he was pipped by inches by Buddy Ford, Packwood has been a main threat in the popular Somerset to Hamilton sprint.

However, it wasn't until 1992 that he won the event for the first time, with his victory again the following year making him the only rider to win back to back titles. DeSilva, with wins in 1989 and '91, is the only other cyclist to win the race twice and now both will be chasing a record third triumph.

"Carlos has got the head for it,'' Packwood acknowledges. "If anybody has the mental ability it's Carlos. I'm not sure if Dana (Henry) is racing, but I would consider him a potential winner if he is.'' With a short race such as this, one bad tactical move could be the difference between winning and settling for second. Henry knows all about that, as in 1995 he started to celebrate just before the finish line what he thought was his first victory and was pipped by both McInnis Looby and Packwood.

"It's a short race but if you talk to any of the riders it is one of the most difficult races to win, because it's a head game,'' says Packwood.

"Guys who have done it in the past and thought I was not fit would attack from the get-go and keep attacking and when we would get into Hamilton I would counter-attack and that would be the end of the race.'' Over the years the race has become a popular prelude to the Marathon Derby which starts later in the morning and follows the same course. This year any number of top riders from the anticipated field of 45 will be confident of their chances.

They include last year's winner Damion Wilson, Whayman Butterfield, the 1994 winner, and Steve Sterritt, who could be a hot favourite for his first win.

One rider who will be missing is 1995 winner Looby who, despite still being on the Island after returning for the Grand Prix, has stated that he will not be participating.

Also missing will be Jason Krupp, who will be away, and Greg Hopkins and Stephan Carpentier who are injured.

This is usually a race that gets Packwood's adrenaline flowing and he knows what it takes to win it. He points out that over the years he has never finished lower than third. There were two crashes in 1990 and '91 before he won in '92 and '93.

Packwood's strength is in the sprint and if he can get to the top of Cedar Avenue still in contention the race could be his.

"Mentally I'm strong enough, I just have to see how physically strong I am,'' said Packwood. "I didn't fare too well in the (Bermuda Grand Prix) the other week. But my training is good, I know my weaknesses and I know my strengths and if I'm in the pack in Hamilton it will be exciting before we get to Cedar Avenue, I can assure you. But that all depends on how I'm feeling.'' Despite lasting less than a half hour -- the winner should arrive in around 27 minutes -- the race is full of tactical manoeuvres, Packwood said.

The winner receives a $400 travel voucher.

EX-CHAMPS Buddy Ford (1987); Darren Dowling (1988); Carlos DeSilva (1989); Mike Lee (1990); Carlos DeSilva (1991); Sinclair Packwood (1992); Sinclair Packwood (1993); Whayman Butterfield (1994); McInnis Looby (1995); Damian Wilson (1996).