The Glasgow 2014 cycling programme will draw to a close on Sunday, when two of the most hotly-contested medals of the Commonwealth Games will be fought out in the men’s and women’s road races.

Both races will use the same 14km city centre circuit on which Mark Cavendish claimed the 2013 British national title – though the Manx Missile, who would have subsequently started Sunday’s race as favourite, will not ride for the Isle of Man as he continues his recovery from the crash which saw him abandon the Tour de France.

Lizzie Armitstead won the women’s race in 2013 and will line-up on Sunday having skipped Thursday’s time trial, won by New Zealand’s Linda Villumsen, with Armitstead’s compatriot, Alex Dowsett, triumphing in the men’s race.

The punchy road race circuit is expected to encourage aggressive racing from those riders looking to avoid a bunch sprint, with no shortage of contenders for gold in the 168km men’s race (12 laps).

Scotland’s David Millar, the Isle of Man’s Peter Kennaugh and Welshman Geraint Thomas are all expected to figure, while Armitstead will start at favourite for the title will start as favourite for the 98km women’s event (seven laps).

We’ll take a closer look at the prospects of each of the leading contenders over the following pages.