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Defending bike-racing champion Cyril Whitter is expecting a much tougher challenge when the new season kicks off on Sunday.

Whitter believes his main rival, Shannon Caisey, will be fast out of the blocks, determined to regain his status as the island's top rider.

But the 20-year-old says he is ready for whatever Caisey and the rest of the chasing pack throws at him in the competitive GP125 class.

“I've been practicing hard and I'm definitely on the route to defending my championship.

“I see Caisey as my main rival this season, as he was last season.

“It's going to be tough but I definitely aim to get it back.

“He's been out practicing and he's keen to win it again. There's more riders this year and the competition is going to be raised. There should be some interesting battles.”

One rider who Whitter expects to shine is 13-year-old Toriano Wilson - who is already showing enough ability to take on and beat the best adult riders.

Wilson won the Stock Modified class last season and has raced in Spain in the GP125 class.

Technically he's too young to race at this level but the governing body has made a rules amendment to allow him to race.

“He's got so much raw talent and I do see him as a potential winner over the season.

“I think it will initially be between Caisey and myself but he could come into it later in the season.

“He's raced in Spain and he's got a lot of talent. He's definitely going to be a major rider over the next few years.”

The likes of Vince Belboda, Jevaugn Simons and Paul DeCouto are also expected to be competitive.

The first race is on Sunday with race-days continuing every second Sunday until October 22.

Here's a quick look at the main runners and riders in the other classes.

Scooters

Mark Lightbourne will not be defending his scooter title this year, leaving the way clear for his team-mate John Cook.

Devon 'Red' Bailey, a former champion in the class, has sorted out the technical problems which blighted his challenge last season and is expected to be in the shake-up this time.

Ed Cook has also got a new bike and should be challenging his brother John for the title.

Superbikes (600cc)

Expected to be one of the most open and competitive classes of the season.

Bermuda Motorcycle Racing Club president David Jones has the most class and experience.

But he won't be able to race every time and there are a host of newcomers in contention for the title.

Carlos Francis won it last year but the likes of Marvin Robinson and policeman Stephen Paynter will also be in contention, as will Paul DeCouto.

Jones believes this will class will be the biggest crowd-puller with speeds likely to reach triple figures in an ultra competitive race for the crown.

GP80s

A new class has been created as an intermediary step between the Stock Modified and the GP 125s.

Keaun Wilson will be the one to beat in this area but Bermuda's top female riders Edwina Harris and Jonae Smith could run him close.

Organisers say they won't know the full strength of the field until the first race day.

Stock Modified

With last year's winner Toriano Wilson moving up to the GP 125s and Aaron Persad still away at school the Stock Modifed class will have a very different look to it this year.

Youngsters like Bruce DeGrilla are expected to move up from the mini-bikes to compete in this class.

Mini-bikes

The mini-bikes will be split this year into two classes, based on age-group and experience.

David Jones jnr is among the best of the younger riders while the likes of Eddemiko Harris and Khyren Wilson should also be involved.[[In-content Ad]]

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