SOME of the world's top cyclists will be in town next February for Singapore's biggest cycling event in years.

Former Olympic medallists, Tour winners and national champions are expected to take part in the OCBC Cycle Singapore 2009 on Feb 22, which will boast a prize purse of $100,000.

The estimated 150-strong elite field will start and finish at the Formula One pit building at Marina Bay, with the 50km route taking them along Republic Avenue, Nicoll Highway, East Coast Park and Changi Coast Road.

Kids and amateurs will also get a taste of the action, with routes ranging from five to 40km for cyclists of all levels.

Registration for the event opens on Tuesday, and organisers are targeting to attract at least 5,000 participants.