Sunday's 10th annual Bank of Bermuda Individual Triathlon in Hamilton.

The starting time this year for the event has been brought forward to 8a.m.

because of the introduction of the Junior Ultra Sprint Duathlon, which will undoubtedly enhance the overall programme. The feature triathlon is scheduled for 9 a.m. at Albouy's Point.

The big question going into the triathlon is whether 15-year-old Butterfield have the strength on the day to brush aside what will be spirited challenges from a strong field.

Those expected to make a vigorous effort to dethrone him are young Jonathan Herring and Kevin Tucker. The latter enjoyed an excellent event at the CAC Games last month.

Herring, known for his powerful swim and strong cycling, is expected to hold the field at bay until the start of the run. If he can build a large enough cushion he could hold off the challengers. But the gap will have to be large as Butterfield is known for his powerful cycling and combination.

Butterfield, though, remains the favourite because he goes into the event in peak form.

The always improving Butterfield has dominated the local scene and made an impact abroad as well by finishing second in the United Kingdon Junior National Championships (sprint distance) and winning the United States Junior National Championships.

In the masters division Andrew Doble and Jim Butterfield are seen as the people to beat, although Steve Petty may provide the upset after putting in a great performance at the recent Mrs. T's Chicago Triathlon over a similar distance.

On the women's side it will be a very interesting race with the consistent Melanie Claude on the sidelines because of pregnancy. Past winner and former Bermuda national champion Julia Hawley is expected to complete just two or so months after giving birth to her second child.

But whether the tenacious Hawley has regained her former fitness or not she will be pushed by Laurie Orchard who has consistently placed in the top three women on the local scene for sometime.

The dark hose of the women's field may be Heather Brand who completed recently in the triathlon world champions in Switzerland and is sure to get into the mix over the shorter distance.

Action gets underway at Albouy's Point at 8a.m. with the young athletes in the 7-9 years age groups followed by the youths in the 10-12 age group at 8.20.

The 7-9 age group will have a half mile, two and a half mile cycle and half mile run; 10-12 have a one mile run, five mile cycle and one mile run The seniors will have a half mile swim, 12 mile cycle and three mile run Athletes requring further information should contact the Triathlon hotline (299-6709)