Bermuda?s leading triathlete Flora Duffy will make her Triathlon World Cup debut this coming weekend at the 2006 Salford BG World Cup Triathlon in the UK.

Duffy,18, will be racing against the world?s best when the gun goes off on July 30, in her quest to earn the much sought after points that will hopefully secure her a spot in the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing. In order to be one of the 55 female athletes at the Games, Duffy has to either earn sufficient points from competing in designated races over the next two years or rely on the ?wildcard? system which provided the way in for Bermudian Tyler Butterfield in Athens in 2004.

The Salford event holds great sentimental value for Duffy, as it is a stone?s throw from where her parents were born and raised thus a large ?family? contingent will be on hand to lend their support.

Duffy is currently in Bermuda training hard under the direction of her UK-based coach, Richard Brady. Brady commented that this race is more for ?gaining experience on the world stage? as opposed for results, although, there is no doubt that Flora will give it her all in the race.

?I am really excited about racing in my first World Cup Event,? said Duffy.

?I am realistic about my chances in the race and am looking to improve upon my performance in Melbourne although I am coming off of a minor knee injury. I will take each race as they come.?

Duffy left Bermuda on Monday in order to acclimatise to the conditions in the UK which may actually prove to be to her liking as a heat wave has sent temperatures soaring to over 100 degrees.

The race can be monitored live via the internet on www.triathlon.org starting at 9.00 a.m. Bermuda time.

After the race Duffy will stay in the UK to attend a training camp as part of her preparation for the World Junior Triathlon Championships at the end of August.

Last week she received a welcome boost to her campaign as the Winners Edge Bike Shop presented her with a brand new Trek bicycle for her to use in her quest for Olympic qualification.