the Bank of Bermuda Triathlon Series, involving the Individual Triathlon and Junior Ultra Sprint Duathlon, expected to attract close to 150 athletes and a multitude of spectators.

However, it promises to be a tough task for all those concerned, with the weather forecast far from ideal.

Southeasterly winds of 10 to 15 knots and somewhat turbulent waters will certainly present challenges to competitors during all three phases -- run, swim and cycle.

"Well, they're saying that by Sunday the wind may ease up a bit and shouldn't be too bad, but with this east wind it would be a bit challenging, the (Hamilton) Harbour would be a bit rough,'' said Steven Petty, spokesman for the Bermuda Triathlon Association. "You would have a bit of a headwind going one way down Front Street.'' After a highly successful season Jonathan Herring will seek to place the `icing on the cake' with another victory, however he will most likely have to contend with the super-fit Kent Richardson.

"On the men's side I would say that Jonathan Herring and Kent Richardson, if he's entered, look strong,'' added Petty.

"There's also an Englishman called Peter Younghusband who finished in the top 20 of the British National Championships. Neil de Ste Croix, if he enters, should also do well.'' Indeed, de Ste Croix, a past winner of the event, stands as something of an `X-factor'. The diminutive athlete is a tough competitor and can always be counted on to give his all no matter the risk.

There should also be little drama in terms of deciding the female winner, with Karen Smith far superior than any other woman on the local circuit.

"Karen Smith is the undoubted favourite,'' said Petty.

"Other women to watch out for are Laurie Orchard and Ashley Robinson Roberts.'' The adult event will encompass a 1 -mile swim, 12-mile cycle and three-mile run, while the junior event has 7-10 year old competitors tackling a 1 -mile run, 21 -mile cycle and another 1 -mile run and those 11-14 running one mile, cycling five miles and running another mile.