open as a number of top-fancied teams have developed problems this week.

Last year's winners, Kevin Insley and Neil De Ste Croix will be without runner Mark Perry due to injuries, which could affect the outcome. But they have been boosted by the signing of noted marathoner Manuel Lopes.

The team of Sean Smatt, Greg Hopkins and Brett Forgesson have double trouble as Hopkins tries to fight off the effects of a virus, which has caused a chest infection and breathing problems.

Their worries have been compounded by the fact that Forgesson, who is presently in training for a marathon in two weeks, has suffered a groin injury that has stopped him from running the past few days.

Another very competitive team of in-form swimmer Trevor Ferguson, cyclist Pete Morgan and runner Steve Donnelly, saw their chances lessened on Saturday when Morgan, on a training ride with Hopkins, crashed heavily sustaining road rash and severe bruising.

Despite their problems, all the aforementioned teams are signed up and expected to race on Sunday at the US Naval Annex in Sandys (3 p.m. start). One team that does not seem to have had any problems this week is that of Mike Bouchard, cyclist Kevin Tucker and runner Kavin Smith, and as such look to be the team to beat.

Bouchard has recorded some impressive swim times this year, and although little has been seen of Tucker this season, Smith's running speaks for itself.

He was for the most part unchallenged this year on the local scene and and turned in a tremendous result in Falmouth last month.

The entry deadline is today. Entry forms can be delivered to Sportseller or New Winners Edge. There will be no late entries.