Walden is one of the favourites for the Tour of Guernsey title

This year's Tour of Guernsey is set to be one of the most open in years as the island's top two riders are not racing.

Rob Smart and Josh Gosselin are riding a Tour de France stage this weekend, meaning they will miss the start of the Guernsey race.

"We expect the likes of Matt Osborn, Gary Robert or even Ben Walden to be there at the front," the Guernsey Velo Club's Andy Wilson told BBC Guernsey.

"As they're competing every day one of those should win it."

The race begins this weekend and consists of six stages around the island, ranging from a cross country stage to a hill climb.