condition as he prepares for this year's Bank of Butterfield Duathlon, which takes place tomorrow at the US Naval Air Station in St. David's beginning at 9 a.m.

Organisers confirmed that the public will be allowed to attend the event despite the restrictions, which were announced concerning local residents visiting a restaurant on the base.

The bad news for all other competitors is that Hopkins -- the winner during the last two years, including a record-setting time of 1:22:32 in 1991 -- believes he is in his best shape ever leading up to the duathlon.

"Touch wood,'' Hopkins said, "but I know my condition this year is good if not better than ever. I've been injury-free compared to the previous three years when I've struggled with all sorts of aches and pains.'' Hopkins will be the person to beat as Bermuda's top athletes converge on the USNAS for one of two events this weekend, which will officially kick off the Bermuda Triathlon Association's schedule for 1993.

On Saturday, youths aged seven to 14 will compete in the Ironkids Triathlon -- also at the USNAS -- setting the stage for the pair of five-kilometre runs and 30-kilometre cycle, which makes the duathlon one of the more gruelling events on the calendar.

Expected to give Hopkins a run for his money will be last year's second-place finisher Neil De Ste. Croix who is coming off a second place finish in last Sunday's Swan's Five-Miler. Rounding out the top male competitors are Brett Forgesson, who ran third a year ago, along with Jeremy Ball and Stephen Doyling.

Defending champion Claire Sousa will lead the women's field, but Lynn Kynoch could emerge as the most serious threat to her crown. Unable to compete a year ago, Kynoch expects to turn a solid performance in the May 24 Marathon Derby into at least a top-five finish tomorrow.

Female competitors will undoubtedly have Julia Hawley's record time of 1:37:15 in 1991 in mind and another woman expected to have a good shot at that mark will be Jane Christie, also in the top five in 1992.

In addition to the individual competition will be a relay team event with the Karen Adams/Allison Stimpson tandem looked on as one of the most feared. In the men's category Jamal Hart and Kevin Topple will attempt to repeat as champions.

Hopkins, Bermuda's top triathlete, believes the key to producing a competitive time will be "the ability to get off the bike quickly and getting a jump on the second five-kilometre run. The transition factor is all important.'' Putting aside his competitive zeal, Hopkins is not as intent on beating the field tomorrow as he will be keeping an eye on his condition during the races.

"I really don't think of it like that,'' Hopkins said. "I don't feel that I have anything to prove. I've won the triathlon during the last four years. I'm just going in (the duathlon) relaxed and if I get beat, I get beat. I would not be devastated. I've learned not to put pressure on myself.'' Anyone interested in competing in the duathlon can still sign up before tomorrow's 5 p.m. cut-off. Applications can be obtained at the Sportseller or Winners Edge stores in Hamilton. Also, athletes must pick up their numbers and T-shirts today from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. at the Sportseller.

Meanwhile, youngsters aged seven to 10 will participate today in three Ironkids events -- a 100-metre swim, a two-and-half-mile cycle race and half-mile run. Youths aged 11 to 14 will compete in a 200-metre swim, five-mile cycle and one-mile run. Competition gets under way at 9 a.m.

GREG HOPKINS