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The World Cup may be over, but fans of Portugal will be able to root for one of their own in Bermuda's premier cycling event.

Peter Dunne, race director for the Conyers Dill & Pearman Grand Prix said that Imoholding — Loulé Jardim Hotel is confirmed for the event scheduled for September.

The squad will race alongside American, Canadian, Bermudian and English teams.

Dunne added that the Grand Prix is working on securing a squad from the Caribbean, which would feature a couple of Jamaican riders.

The Algarve regionally-based team competes mainly in Portugal and Spain, but does other races in Europe.

"Our rationale for inviting them is we would like different people to come out and watch the race and a team from Portugal is likely to bring out Portuguese Bermudians, who wouldn't otherwise be interested in cycling.

"There should be a national interest in supporting this team," Dunne said.

"This probably will be the most competitive field for the Bermuda Grand Prix ever. We will also have categories for amateur riders as well as juniors from Bermuda and overseas competing on the same courses as the professional riders," he said.

Dunne added that the women's field will be as strong as ever with the top ten teams from the Women's Prestige Cycling Series competing here as the final event in the series.[[In-content Ad]]

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