The unstoppable Andy Potts and Becky Lavelle lived up to their tag as race favourites becoming the Escape to Bermuda Triathlon's first ever champions.

The American pair proudly received their trophies in St. George's Square yesterday before a smattering of spectators after storming the gruelling 24-mile course, which featured 207 athletes and included 17 professionals.

Plunging from fast ferries into the sea a mile from Dockyard the field made their way to the West End with Benjamin (The Fish) Sanson, regarded as the sport's supreme swimmer, unsurprisingly the first to reach the shore. The Frenchman, who finished fifth, later lost around 40 seconds of time when he took a wrong turn during the bike phase.

But red-hot favourite Potts, the US national champion, was shadowing him in the swim and overtook Sanson during the bike transition, a lead he maintained posting a time of one hour, 51 minutes and 39 seconds.

Brian Fleishman with 1:54:20 and fellow US triathlete Matt Reed, who recorded a time of 1:55:29, followed 30-year-old Potts, who won this year's Escape from Alcatraz.

Becky Lavelle, 32, topped the female contest finishing the course in 2:05:51, with compatriot Rebeccah Wassner second and Canadian Lauren Groves in third position. Veteran Karen Smyers, a 46-year-old former world champion, came fourth, while Bermudian-based South African twins Evan and Riaan Naude finished 12th and 14th respectively overall.

Potts, who is hoping to compete at the Beijing Olympics, believes the competition would easily attract double the participants for next year's race and was impressed with how smoothly it went.

"It was a tough race from the start after being dropped off from the ferries, it's always difficult having a deep water start," he said. "There wasn't a big field of pro-athletes but those competing were of a high standard.

"I thought the course was excellent and the run was especially difficult. It seemed we were constantly going uphill at St. George's.

"As with all new events they're always one or two slight hiccups, but overall I would say the organisation was excellent. This triathlon will grow in popularity, there's no doubt. I think it could probably double in size in terms of athletes."

Organisers also said they expect twice the number of participants to turn out for next year's event.

Lavelle was equally generous in her praise for the event and vowed to return next year to defend her crown. "I think this is an awesome event and considering it was the first Escape to Bermuda I felt the organisation was impressive.

"I definitely hope to come back to defend my title next year. I think most of the professional athletes will spread the word about how beautiful Bermuda is and how well they were treated. I only hope it doesn't receive too much interest and attract girls who will beat me," she joked.

Sport's Minister Randy Horton, who watched the race unfold along with the many spectators who lined the streets, said the Escape to Bermuda Triathlon would be a long-term event with the Island capable of hosting other showpiece competitions in the future.

"It's been a great month for sport in Bermuda with the success of Escape to Bermuda following on from the PGA Grand Slam of Golf.

"The athletes I've spoken to have said how pleased they were with the course and that gives Escape to Bermuda instant credibility. I hope they go and tell their fellow triathletes about the race and return with them next year."

Escape to Bermuda is a qualifier for the esteemed Escape to Alcatraz Triathlon and had a prize purse of $40,000.