Ralf Eggert and Carol Montgomery lived up to their top billings, lighting an overcast sky along South Shore yesterday with a pair of strong performances during the Island's inaugural ITU Triathlon World Cup.

And at the end they were standing solidly atop the pinnacle of success, based largely on their guts, determination and skill.

They had conquered fatigue, soldiering on when their bodies told them otherwise and earned a place in local history books.

Both used superior strength in the run to come from behind, but the manner was different as German native Eggert needed to gain 15 places following the swim, while Canada's Montgomery was always among the leaders.

Third at last week's series event in Brazil, Eggert had his game plan work to perfection as he stayed close enough on the swim before exploding during the final disciplines for a memorable first World Cup victory.

"It feels really great, I didn't expect to win today,'' said the 23-year-old Eggert, who clocked one hour, 55 minutes and 31 seconds. "Even though I was the favourite you never can be sure who's going to win a race, so with that in mind I feel fortunate to have won here.'' Asked if he ever felt he would succumb to pressure posed by the competition, Eggert said: "Pressure? No. I knew I was probably the strongest runner in this field, so I felt quite comfortable.'' Left to flounder in the wake of the all-conquering German was Andrew MacMartin of Canada (1:55:43), who despite a good swim, surrendered the top position to Eggert during the cycle and even though he had the second-best run leg it was not enough.

Still, there was no shame in placing second on a 53-kilometre course -- 11 kilometre swim, 411 kilometre cycle, 10 kilometre run -- that provided a stern test.

"(Eggert) gave it a pretty good push about three kilometres into the run and I couldn't deal with it at the time and I tried to catch him at the end...but really I'm pleased, I gave it my best.'' While Eggert reaped the accolades of his first series triumph Montgomery was enjoying her second consecutive first place finish, duplicating her showing in Brazil.

After battling pre-race favourite Gail Laurence tooth and nail for two-thirds of the event Montgomery displayed her predominant skill in the run as the competition was all but over once she donned her race shoes.

Montgomery eased away from a fading Laurence, all the while staying out of reach from France's world number one-ranked Isabelle Mouthon and in the end victory came swift, but not easy, in 2:06:21.

A potential challenge was averted when Karen Smyers suffered a flat tyre midway through and sacrificed over 10 minutes and much distance while making repairs.

Among the Bermuda representatives, Neil de Ste. Croix again distinguished himself as the Island's best, clocking 2:15:01 ahead of other local men Mark Glusing (2:23:53) and Steve Donnelly (2:27:47) and expressed satisfaction and pleasure at being able to be included in such an elite field.

Bermuda's lone female competitor, Shona Palmer, suffered a flat tyre and was forced to withdraw, while Adam Smith dropped out during the men's cycle phase.