Tyler Butterfield was keen to pit himself against defending champion Lamont Marshall and six-times winner Chris Estwanik in the 110th annual Bermuda Day Half Marathon Derby tomorrow.

Butterfield, a triathlete and former Derby winner, was edged out by Dominique Mayho in the Sinclair Packwood Memorial Race last year, while wife Nikki won the women’s running race. She is expecting the couple’s fourth child.

“Unfortunately, we won’t be back in Bermuda this weekend for May 24,” Tyler confirmed. “Both of us would love to run out of the east and try the new course.

“I was excited to try the course out of St George’s and also thought Lamont, Chris and myself might all be in great shape to have a fun race. But I think Chris is injured and travel for me right now is not possible with Nikki expecting soon.

“I know Lamont will put on a great performance as he did last year and is in great shape. It always is an amazing race and special day in Bermuda.

“It is one of my favourite days in Bermuda to kick-start the summer.”

The Heritage Day Junior Classic, which Butterfield competed in the inaugural event in 1997, has more than 70 entries ahead of the deadline today.

Tommy Marshall and Zoe Hasselkuss are the defending boys and girls champions. Henry Talbot, meanwhile, stills holds the record of 10min 16sec set in 2003.

A new race will be added to the Bermuda day activities this year with a junior cycling competition, which starts at Fort Hill on Middle Road and finishes on Cedar Avenue. It is the brainchild of Anton Gilbert, who took the idea to the Bermuda Bicycle Association.

“The race itself is designed to be fast like the adult race, which is why I proposed it be only two to four miles long,” Gilbert said.

“From Fort Hill to Reid Street is mostly downhill and good bike handling will separate the better riders from the bunch.

“The area of Court Street will provide a test of cornering abilities in the sweeping double bend through to Front Street.

“Queen Street on to Church Street will be a gradual climb where the stronger riders will try to get away.

“I do expect sprint finishes from the field on Cedar Avenue as the course is short and it would be difficult for a single rider to get too far ahead. I anticipate the junior cycling event will provide a high level of entertainment.”