Frank Moak will spend this bicycle race in an automobile. Moak, a regular competitor in the Natchez Bicycle Classic, will be assisting United States Cycling Federation officials Sunday with the USCF Elite National Road Race Championship.

The race, which consists of Category 1 riders only, starts at 1 p.m. in downtown Natchez before heading out to Kingston and returning downtown for the finish.

&uot;I’ll be on the different side of the coin,&uot; said Moak, a Category 2 racer who competes with Herring Gas Riding Team. &uot;It’s a little different, but it is going to be fun. I’m really looking forward to it.&uot;

Four of Moak’s Herring Gas teammates will be competing Sunday. Regular Natchez Bicycle Classic riders Kenny Bellau of New Orleans, Jack Ditt of Shreveport, La., Chris Alexander of New Orleans and Trent Rives of Baton Rouge, La., will take on the role of underdogs for a change.

&uot;Kenny told us to look for a few heroics out of him, but don’t look for him at the finish line,&uot; Moak said.

Category 1 riders are international caliber riders with several top finishes. &uot;This is only going to be the best of the best,&uot; Moak said.

Moak will be driving Margaret Michael, the second-in-command chief, in a van along the race.

&uot;We will be right in front of the field,&uot; he said. &uot;If there is a breakaway, we will follow the break.&uot;

Moak, who coordinates the Natchez Bicycle Classic along with Curtis Moroney, said preparations have not been as hectic as they would be for the annual local race.

&uot;The USOC&160;has sent someone down to handle all of the preparations,&uot; he said. &uot;It’s been more work for the city and county because it is such a big event, and we appreciate what they’ve done.&uot;

Sunday’s race will start at 1 p.m. on Main Street.

Moak said spectators may want to place themselves on Silver Street, and at the finish line. Riders are expected to head back into town around 4 p.m. &uot;We’re expecting 200 riders and 150 will probably come into town together,&uot;&160;he said. &uot;The hill will separate them. People can go and watch them suffer going up Silver Street. And they’ll be going slower. The other part of the race they will be flying by.&uot;

Natchez Police Chief Willie Huff said streets downtown will be closed during the downtown portion of the race, between approximately 4 p.m. and 5:15 p.m.

Friday: USCF racing official Shawn Farrell discuses the race.

Huff said parking will be prohibited on downtown streets from 3:30 p.m. until the race is over.