That's the expectation when Neil de Ste. Croix and Shona Palmer tackle Sunday's Bank of Bermuda Triathlon.

Normally there would exist at least one or two challengers, but this year the outcome appears all too predictable... Barring disaster, de Ste. Croix will win his third consecutive individual title and Palmer her second, while the rest will battle each other for any left-over scraps.

Not since the recent Mike Tyson versus Peter McNeely debacle have there been such overwhelming favourites.

And while not exactly likening it to an event of the magnitude or style of a heavyweight clash of the Tyson/McNeely mode, event spokesman Andrew Doble agreed it would be difficult betting against either de Ste. Croix or Palmer.

"I would imagine in the individual race Neil and Shona would be the undoubted favourites,'' he said.

Nevertheless, the athletes themselves preferred to take a low key approach and were unwilling to announce themselves as king/queen of the realm.

De Ste. Croix, in a manner that has become typical, alluded to the fact that the race would be won on the course Sunday and not in the media today no matter how the odds seem.

And while they remain a mystery to most, there were, he said, viable challengers to his throne.

"I'm challenged in every race, you never know what can happen,'' said de Ste.

Croix. "I never go into races thinking I can go through the motions and win.

I could have a lousy swim or a very bad bike...anything can happen.

"Until you get to the finish line you've never won a race.'' One of those having a slight chance of toppling the champion is Mark Glusing, a fast improving triathlete who was the second local finisher at last Sunday's ITU Triathlon World Cup -- over eight minutes behind de Ste. Croix.

However, although much better in the swim Glusing's bodybuilder physique hinders him when it comes to the cycle and run portions.

"He's not exactly built to run. He does have a lot of endurance, but for Sunday's race you need to be quick over the distance,'' explained de Ste.

Croix. "It's good for me when we get to the run because I know I'm stronger and that gives me a psychological advantage as well, that I know I can catch him.

"My main aim is to win.'' Ditto for Palmer, who after placing second to Julia Hawley in 1993 has improved dramatically, snatching the title from Hawley's clutches a year ago and looking a sure bet for a repeat triumph this time around.

In the absence of a resting Hawley, Palmer's stiffest competition could come from expecting mom Melanie Claude. However, it is uncertain whether Claude would go "all out'' considering her condition.

Still in the back of Palmer's mind yesterday was the flat tyre that forced her premature exit from Sunday's race.

"I'm just hoping to be able to finish without a flat tyre,'' said Palmer jokingly. "I'm using the race as a warm up to the Worlds in Cancun, (Mexico).

"I would like to go faster than last year, but it's a different course and not really compatible.'' Sunday's race will take place near the entrance to the former USNAS, St.

David's, starting at 2 p.m.

SHONA PALMER -- tipped for her second successive triathlon title.