the course in Muskoka, Canada, living up to its advanced billing as one of extremely rugged terrain, claiming more than a few unsuspecting victims.

Temperatures hovered around the 41-degree mark and competitors wore wet suits as they were made to splash about in frigid waters -- near 64 degrees -- that caused more than a few to abandon their pursuits.

Kevin Tucker became one of the casualties, having to be pulled from the lake and requiring medical treatment for hypothermia after suffering leg cramps during the 1.5-kilometre swim, but the rest of the Bermuda squad were able to endure and cross the finish line in good shape.

Winning the men's elite team title were host country Canada as their `A' team beat off challenges from Germany and the United States. But the US gained a measure of revenge when they emerged on top of the women's field followed by Canada `A' and Denmark. Bermuda wound up 20th and 14th respectively in the men's and women's elite divisions.

Great Britain's Simon Lessing captured the men's individual title in a time of one hour, 49 minutes and four seconds, while as expected Neil de St. Croix led home the local contingent in a time of 2:10:31, good for 105th overall among the elite division. He was followed by Steve Donnelly (2:16:47, 108th) and Brett Forgesson (2:18:34, 109th).

Jane Christie (2:29:37) gritted out a first-place finish among the Island's women, nailing down the 65th position overall. The division was won by Australian Michelle Jones in 2:02:05.

Also impressing on the Bermuda side was Jeana Jones (2:32:04, 67th), who edged out team-mate Lynn Kynoch (2:32:26, 68th). Melanie Claude (2:36:37, 69th) was the fourth local female to break the tape.

Meanwhile, Jim Butterfield, competing in the 40-44 age group continued to amaze as he blazed a trail ahead of the other age-group participants.

Butterfield recorded a creditable time of 2:24:32 in finishing 54th in his age bracket.

"As a team I think we did fairly well considering the conditions and the fact that the elite team was competing against the best in the world,'' said Eloy Castroverde, vice-president of the Bermuda Triathlon Association and a competitor in the men's 30-34 age group. "We all felt the cold weather, it was certainly not something we were used to coming from Bermuda.''