challenge for local triathlete Greg Hopkins' title and course record in the Bermuda Triathlon at the US Naval Annex, Southampton this Sunday.

But Hopkins, winner of the event for the last three years, says he won't be overawed by the presence of two quality performers from overseas and he remains optimistic about making it four in a row.

"I'd like to put a bit of pressure on them. I don't intend to give up the title easily to anyone,'' he said.

Rex, who set a course record of 1.36.04 to win in 1986 that was broken by Hopkins three years later, is equally looking forward to the challenge and expects his friend, Cuddeback, to also be in the hunt.

Little is known of Cuddeback, who participated in the World Triathlon Championships last month, but local triathlete Dyrone Minors is familiar with both visitors and reckons that they will pose a threat to Hopkins.

Rex, 32, arrived yesterday while Cuddeback is expected today.

When Rex won in 1986, Hopkins had to settle for third place behind Tony Ryan.

But Hopkins can draw some encouragement from the fact that he is the course recordholder, having clocked 1.34.22 in 1989. Hopkins won last year in 1.35.18, easily beating out second-placed Neil De Ste. Croix.

Said Hopkins: "The fact that Rex is back doesn't make any difference. My game plan is always to go out as hard as I can and do my own race. I don't know anything at all about the other individual.

"I know the course quite well, the only concern is on the rough cycling course where a possible puncture can decide who does what.'' Hopkins goes into the event in top condition after having performed well during the Montreal International four weeks ago where he won his age group and finished seventh overall.

"I bettered last year's time by one minute. My condition going into Sunday's event is as good as ever,'' he said.

Rex also goes into battle fresh from action in Canada, having completed in the Esprit Triathlon in Montreal on September 12 which covered a gruelling Ironman course of 2.4 miles swimming, 112 miles of cycling and 26.2 miles of running.

His decision to concentrate on long distances has helped Rex to build his strength, the Esprit being one of two long distance races he has competed in this year. He has also been active over the shorter distances, competing in four half-Ironman events and four triathlons.

"I like going for the longer distances these days,'' said Rex. "Since the Montreal race was just recently I am now trying to recover. Hopefully I will have some snap left in my legs.'' Rex is a strong swimmer but claims that he has made progress in the other two disciplines.

"I've had a background in swimming. Hopefully I will get ahead early and go as fast as can. I like the loop format at the Bermuda course; it gives you a nice form of progression with its shape,'' said Rex.

He is encouraged by the fact that he has managed to remain in good health and appears to get "faster and faster'' in each race he enters.

"I want it to be hot and the water probably choppy enough to knock about the skinny athletes,'' added Rex. "I know Hopkins will be tough, but I'm looking forward to the challenge.'' Also among those offering strong challenges are de Ste. Croix, Stephen Doyling, who was third last year, and Kevin Tucker, with de Ste Croix hoping to add the individual title to last week's team title, which he won with swimmer Kevin Insley and runner Mark Perry.

Hopkins' wife Mary will probably have an easier time retaining her title. Last year she won her third straight race in 1:46, but while good enough to bring her home first it was by no means her best effort.

"I went into last year's race with a bad attitude. I just wasn't that interested in participating and the time proved to be much slower than the previous year,'' she said.

"It's hard to know just what condition I am in this time because I haven't been competing as I should have. I haven't done any road races as all.'' But she did get a boost four weeks ago when, with her husband in Montreal, she finished fourth overall in her category, even though her time was slower than in 1991.

Jane Christie, Melanie Claude, Jeanna Jones and duathlon champion Claire Sousa are expected to be Hopkins' main contenders.

FLASHBACK -- Brad Rex races to the title in 1986.