Locals and visitors turned out in force to make sure MS Amlin World Triathlon Bermuda 2019 was a great experience, even if the crowds may have fallen short of last year.

Several spectators commented that it was a much larger turnout last year as Bermudians lined the streets to watch local hero Flora Duffy win in style. But it was still an amazing event despite Duffy’s absence from the main competition because of a foot injury.

Among the spectators on Saturday cheering on the men and women in the elite races was Michelle Robinson, from Warwick.

Ms Robinson said her day was “phenomenal” after she missed last year’s event.

She said: “My children participated in the duathlon and they loved it, so I brought them back to see the full triathlon.”

She called it “a once-in-a-lifetime experience”.

“Although Duffy was not participating in the main event, it was really interesting. I am happy that Bermuda got to host it. I have been here all day and I really enjoy it.

“I’m just happy to be a spectator at an international event.”

Ms Robinson hoped Bermuda would carry on hosting international events.

She said she had learnt about cycling, which also caught her daughter’s attention after their triathlon experience.

Ms Robinson said: “It has really given her an interest that she would never have if the event was not held in Bermuda.”

Century Robinson, 10, a student at Purvis Primary, also enjoyed the WTS Bermuda buzz.

“It was fun and I went out and did my best. I felt nervous, but excited at the same time,” Century, a member of the Bermuda Pacers athletics club, said.

She added: “I would love to do it again next year. It was a fun experience this year.”

She said she also enjoyed seeing the adults in action.

Another local, Dawn, said she chose not to work on Saturday in order to attend WTS Bermuda.

She said: “I am super excited; the whole atmosphere, I just love it. I love the competition.”

She added: “I’m sorry we didn’t get to see Flora, but it is what it is. We get to show off Bermuda.”

Visitors also took advantage of WTS Bermuda — even tourists who had not planned on catching the races.

Alicia Bowers, on holiday from Canada, told The Royal Gazette: “I love it. It’s my first triathlon. It just happens that we are here when the triathlon is on. It’s great.”

Wilson McTaggart and his wife, Julia, visiting from Scotland, said they had booked their trip to the island with the triathlon in mind.

Mr McTaggart said: “It’s great. It’s the first time I have been to Bermuda.”

Mrs McTaggart added: “We chose to vacation during the triathlon so we could enjoy it while enjoying the island.”

She added that interacting with Bermudians had given them an amazing experience.

“The local people are really friendly here,” Mrs McTaggart said.

Andrew Dunstan, a Canadian living in Bermuda, said that after experiencing part of the women’s event last year, he wanted to attend this year’s event.

Mr Dunstan said: “I saw a little of the women’s race last year. I thought it was very interesting and great to watch.”

Mr Dunstan, a former triathlon athlete, said the experience in Bermuda was great compared with other countries.

“It is very friendly hospitality,” he said.

Others found it a great day for family fun, despite a little rain.

Karen Lendy said: “It’s very, very good; they need to have it every year. It’s a good place to bring the children.”

Dorian Coninx, of France, won the Elite Men’s race in 1hr 50min 35sec, while Katie Zaferes, of the United States, won the women’s race in 1:59:42.