While Sunday's ITU Triathlon World Cup was hailed as an overall success by organisers, more support will be needed from the general public in order to ensure the event returns to Bermuda.

At issue is the perceived low numbers of spectators lining the route along South Shore -- there was estimated to be 500 to 1,000 people watching the event -- and how those can be increased especially for world television viewers who will see the triathlon on a tape-delayed basis.

Michael Gilmore, marketing director for the International Triathlon Union (ITU), while trumpeting the beauty of the Island and the strengths of the course, said that it was paramount more locals attend the event if Bermuda is to remain a viable venue.

"I think the event was excellent. It's a challenging course for the athletes.

I think the organisation did a wonderful job given the constraints of never having done an event like this before,'' said Gilmore. "It presented some challenges, but I think the team overcame those challenges.

"My only disappointment is that the whole community of Bermuda (didn't) come out to watch, because it was a very exciting race and some of them stayed home.

"I need to be convinced that we can get lots of Bermudians to come watch next year, it's critical for us. For the world television viewer to feel the event is important, the locals have to feel it's important too, and we'd like spectators to be screaming and cheering.'' A major factor affecting attendance was said to be the early morning start, which may have pre-empted many from turning out and this was something that would have to be addressed.

However, there would likely be great opposition to changing the time to later in the day, especially since the church community was largely responsible for the demise of the ill-fated Bermuda International Triathlon.

Also, there is the matter of inconvenience to road users who would be denied access along much of South Shore.

Gilmore hinted that it's now his job to better inform the public about the event and make spectators feel part of the show.

"I think eight o'clock is a church and road closure issue, which is something that's a challenge,'' said Gilmore. "I think the real trick is a lot of pre-press, radio, print, TV and we have to work on that for '96.'' Meanwhile, former BTA president and a main mover behind the return of international triathlon to Bermuda, Dave Morrison, said that while the issue of starting time would be looked at, he was very concerned about the potential for inconvenience to residents and nearby churches.

Still, he noted how Bermudians should look at the larger picture regarding the overall good such a spectacle presents for the Island in terms of promoting it as a resort.

"It's very important to have people understand the benefit such events have to Bermuda in terms of tourism and giving a vehicle to promote it worldwide and while they may not like the inconvenience, they need to see it as something worthwhile,'' said Morrison, who added that he was confident of drawing a bigger crowd next year.

"Following a seven year absence I thought it had good support, although it could have been better. But once word spreads of what a good and exciting event this year's was we'll have thousands come out.'' Bermuda has already been pencilled in on the ITU's list of venues for 1996, however final acceptance will be based on several considerations.

First there will be a review of the weekend's activities, as well as confirming that the Bermuda Triathlon Association (BTA) are in support of putting on another event.

Secondly, a financial package that satisfies both the sponsors and ITU will have to be secured.

Still, Morrison again expressed confidence that all criteria would be met and that the triathlon would be coming back.