Once again tactics will decide the winner of Monday's Sinclair Packwood Memorial Race, considered by local cyclists the most prestigious on their calendar.

A breakaway, such as that which powered veteran Neil de Ste. Croix to an unexpected victory in last year's race, could again decide the outcome or, as was the case in previous years, it might come down to a sprint finish.

But either way, during debate this week ahead of the big event, no-one wanted to be singled out as favourite.

Former champion Wayne Scott, one of those labelled as a potential winner, can be expected to be in the hunt if it comes down to a sprint with his ability to outduel his rivals in the closing stages.

Scott, who won the event in 2005, admits he could have an advantage if that proves to be the case on Monday.

"I am a bit behind as everyone was training very diligently in the off-season while I was busy with other things," Scott said yesterday.

"Everyone will say everybody else is the favourite to put pressure on others, but the truth is there is so much parity in riding right now," he added. "Greg Hopkins and the champion Neil de Ste. Croix, along with other riders . . . anyone can win it.

"I want it to be a sprint finish because that increases the likelihood of me winning the event tremendously."

Scott has made the podium each time he has entered the classic.

"It will be difficult for there to be a small group off the front. It will still definitely break up but the pack at the front will be more than two or three riders," he predicted.

Former winner Hopkins, the elder statesmen of the race who has already tasted victory on the roads this year, could again be one to watch with his wealth of experience and detailed knowledge of the course.

"I am the only one left from the original race, so it will be a moment for me when it starts," said Hopkins. "I'm in the best shape I have been for the last four years.

"I have been getting the right results so far on the domestic circuit in preparation, so we will see on the day."

The relatively short 13-mile course will require an all-out effort from all those seeking first-place honours.

"I am not a favourite which is a good thing as being the favourite is sort of like the kiss of death," added Hopkins.

"I don't think there will be a clear vision of who is the favourite unless there is a break early on in the race.

"But the key to the event is knowing how to win it.

"There will be quite a few riders on the course who know what it takes to win the race, and this is a major factor."

Some 50 invited riders, including national team cricketer Arthur Pitcher jr, are expected to gather on the Somerset start line.

Earlier this week, defending champion de Ste. Croix confessed that he would have to be at his best to hold off those eager to dethrone him.

"I am looking forward to it," said de Ste. Croix. "It is always a fun race."

"This year is completely wide open. Last year I had to hold off Garth Thomson and Ricky Sousa.

"I believe everyone will be a lot quicker this year and if you had to pick a favourite, it would either have to be under two situations.

"If it is a sprint to the finish, Wayne Scott would have the edge in my opinion. But if it isn't decided by a sprint, there would be a good chance that Garth Thomson would be a clear favourite."