The Chiron Diagnostics Grand Prix of Essex cycle classic takes place on Sunday over 102 gruelling miles in and around Halstead.

With more than 50 full internationals expected on the start line, the race promises to be one of the best in its illustrious 45 year history.

The outcome of the first major race of any new British season is always difficult to predict, but this year the Grand Prix will be more open than ever and, with last year's outstanding victor, Chris Newton, racing for the Linda McCartney team in France, there are as many as 20 potential winners.

In Newton's absence, the Linda McCartney squad will be led by Australian star Alan Iacuone and New Zealander Scott Guyton, although any of this exceptional seven-man team could land the Essex prize, such is their strength in depth.

The youngest of the team, Russell Downing (Britain's leading under 23 rider in 1998), is reported to be in great form and, if the race comes down to a massed sprint, "evergreen" Chris Walker (the British Criterium Champion) could show everyone a clean pair of heels up Halstead's Market Hill.

The Harrods team will be determined to stake their claim as the strongest squad, however, and with National Road Race Champion Matt Stephens (Crewe) at the helm, and backing from last year's runner-up Kevin Dawson (Doncaster) and 1995 winner Julian Ramsbottom (Scunthorpe), the Linda McCartneys will not have everything their own way.

Another seven-man squad hoping to impress will be Team Men's Health, who are making their debut in the Grand Prix with top riders Colin Sturgess (the former World Pursuit Champion from Leicester) and Gordon McCauley (New Zealand).

From the smaller teams and individual entries, Mark Lovatt (Leek), Scott Gamble (Selston), David Rand (Southampton), John Tanner (Doncaster), Matt Beckett (Cardiff), Danny Axford (Winchester), Darren Barclay (Harlow) and two former Grand Prix winner Rob Hayles (Southport) and Wayne Randle (Wakefield), will all be making their presence felt.

It is 34 years since a rider from London took the winner's bouquet, but hoping to redress this imbalance will be youthful Bradley Wiggins, the West Londoner who is Britain's only World Junior Champion, and super-sprinter Brian Fleming (South Woodford) who is backed by the new Arctic 200 team, including the 1997 runner-up Andy Lyons (Leigh-on-Sea) and another exciting young talent, Tim Bayley (Nazeing).

Other local hopefuls among the Grand Prix' biggest ever field of 100 competitors include Gary Baker and Darrell Stile (both from Colchester) and Andrew Elderfield (Glemsford).

Starting at 10am from the Ramsey School in Colne Road, Halstead, the Grand Prix will follow three 28-mile circuits through Bulmer Tye, the Hedinghams, Wethersfield, Shalford and Gosfield, returning up Market Hill in Halstead each time, before commencing two laps of the traditional nine mile finishing circuit via Braintree Corner, Gosfield and Peterfield's Lane to the chequered flag in Market Hill at around 2pm.

Good vantage points are on the climb between Castle Hedingham and High Street Green, on the hill beyond Codham Mill (between Shalford and Beazley End) and, of course, in the finishing straight on Halstead's tough Market Hill, where a full race commentary will be provided throughout the Grand Prix.

The overall winner will receive a cheque for £300. The record prize list of £1,600 extends to 20th place and the first 'espoir' (under 23 years of age) will take home £100 of race clothing.

There will also be £150 in "prime" prizes as the riders sprint for the line in Halstead each lap.

The first three riders overall will mount the podium in Market Hill immediately after the Grand Prix has finished, to be greeted by the Mayor of Halstead, Councillor Celia Burne.

The winner will receive his bouquet and cheque from Miss Lucy Orrow from Colne Engaine, and Miss Kelly Raymond from Halstead.

Free race programmes may be obtained now from Halstead Library, Frank Smith & sons (Men's outfitters) and Karl Lindekam (hairstylist), all situated in the High Street, and on the day from the publicity team manned by St John Ambulance both before the start at Ramsey School and, subsequently, in Market Hill.

The Essex Police have requested that motorists do not park overnight on Market Hill, where barriers will be erected around 7am on the Sunday morning (along with race furniture and the photofinish equipment).

Please also note that restricted parking will operate in the High Street and Market Hill throughout the morning and under after the Grand Prix has finished.

The police expect the road to be clear by 2.30pm.

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.