Spectators on Frog Lane at the new finish line for the Sinclair Packwood Memorial Cycle Race on Heritage Day might be forgiven if they think professional triathlete Tyler Butterfield has misjudged the end of what is widely anticipated to be one of the most hotly contested races in the 16-year history of the event.

One of the favourites for the most coveted title in local cycling, Butterfield plans - just like the ‘Energiser Bunny' - to cross the finish line and keep going, going and going . . . at least until North Shore that is.

Then, the 19-year-old Bermudian will board a waiting boat, engine running, ready to transport him to Somerset where he will start the Heritage Day Marathon Derby and become what is believed to be the first person to complete both the cycle race and running race on the same day.

The bike race starts from Somerset at 9 a.m. and the road race 30 minutes later, meaning Butterfield has no chance of getting to the Marathon Derby start line on time.

Noting that competing in both events won't detract from his desire to do well in the bike race, Butterfield explained: “I'm mainly contending in the bike race, I'd like to do well in that.

“I've always liked the bike race, it's so much fun. It should be really exciting this year with the competition right now.”

However, there is clearly an appeal to taking part in both events, as he continued: “I will probably start the run 10 to 15 minutes behind the field, so I am not looking to set any great time. I will just set my watch and do my own thing, there are so many people out watching and I have never done the run, but I expect it's a lot of fun.”

Back in Bermuda for a month as he prepares for the Commonwealth Games triathlon in Manchester in July, Butterfield has recently returned from training and racing on the Gold Coast in Australia, where he has been rubbing shoulders with many of the best triathletes in the world.

However, despite racing at the top level internationally he is clearly still drawn by the atmosphere and local pride that is all part of competing on Heritage Day in Bermuda.

“It's something that I have always looked at as the biggest event for Bermuda,” added Butterfield. “There is a lot of hype surrounding it, even though it's such a short race. If I had to pick a goal in Bermuda, this is one I would choose.”

Adding to the significance, he said: “We also have to remember Sinclair (Packwood). I didn't know him that well because I am from the younger generation, but we should all think of him, this is his day.”

Renamed in 1999 in memory of Packwood, a two-time winner and recognised as a driving force behind establishment of the event, the Heritage Day race took on new significance and Butterfield understands how difficult it is to win.

“Everyone wants to win this race. Kris Hedges will be looking to win for the third time in a row, Steve Millington pushed Kris to the end last year and I understand Karl Outerbridge is riding really well, so there will probably be a small pack at the finish. Hopefully there won't be a big pack, I'm hoping it's going to be a really hard race.”

Commenting on the new course that will see riders climbing Middle Road to Montpelier Road, before a sharp uphill on Frog Lane, Butterfield said: “Coming off Front Street onto Court Street and then Reid Street is going to be a bit tight, especially if there is a big group, but hopefully it will be split up by then, that's my plan. The hill is going to slow things down a bit, but I think it will still be a fast finish.”

In the 2000 event, Hedges finally broke away from Butterfield on Cedar Avenue to take his first victory after the two riders had left the rest of the field in their wake and there are those that believe he is capable of reversing that result this year.

One thing is for sure. If Hedges wins, history will be made twice on May 24, 2002, as he will become the first rider to win the bike race three times, consecutively at that, and Butterfield will become the first athlete to compete in both events on the same day.

In typical fashion, Butterfield smiles and says: “Whatever the outcome, it's going to be fun.”