Early-bird registration is open for World Triathlon Series Bermuda in November when, after a two-year hiatus because of Covid-19, Bermuda’s world, Olympic and Commonwealth Games champion Dame Flora Duffy will be competing on home soil again.

Top triathletes from around the world will touch down on the island for the long-awaited international competition on November 5 and 6, when Duffy will again be the top draw.

This time she will even compete on a part of the course that carries her name, Flora Duffy Hill, the former Corkscrew Hill which was renamed last December after another outstanding year for the nine-times Bermuda Female Athlete of the Year.

Elite and amateur triathletes will converge on the island as the WTS, alongside the Bermuda Tourism Authority, hosts one of the events as part of the circuit’s global series. In addition to the hundreds of triathletes taking part, fans will once again be able to line the racecourse throughout the City of Hamilton to cheer on Bermuda’s home-town heroes and future triathlon champions

Known for its picturesque surroundings, the beauty of the island boasts some of the most challenging terrain, making the racecourse for this event one of the most gruelling in the sport.

Triathletes ranging from novice to advanced who are hungry for a post-pandemic challenge are invited to join the competition. Individual swimmers, cyclists, and runners interested in competing as a relay team are also encouraged to enter.

Hazel Clark, chairwoman of WTSBDA and a former Olympian, said: “The long-awaited return of the World Triathlon Series to Bermuda’s shores is finally over. With all the excitement around Bermuda’s triathletes on the world stage representing best-in-class performances, we couldn’t be happier than to keep the momentum going right here at home.

“We anticipate the streets in the City of Hamilton to be lined with supporters, and are thrilled to be able to provide that option once again.”

With Duffy leading the charge for Bermuda’s triathletes on the international stage, the development of future home-grown champions has exploded in both popularity and importance.

Therefore, the WTS Bermuda would not be complete without the island’s youth competing in a kids duathlon, whereby up-and-coming athletes will run-bike-run their way down the famed blue carpet.

Ernest Peets, the Minister of Youth, Culture, and Sport, stated: “Bermuda is pleased to host the 2022 World Triathlon Series. Hosting this event is of significant importance for the residents of Bermuda.

“Dame Flora Duffy’s accomplishments have truly illuminated the sport for our aspiring young athletes. Watching Dame Flora on our local roads competing against international athletes, dominating the event in 2018 has magnified the immense support of Bermuda fans.

“I urge everyone to set aside time on November 5 and 6 to cheer on both local and international athletes as they compete on the roads and in the water. And now that registration is open, we hope that a significant number of young Bermudians will also sign up to participate by running and biking in the kids duathlon.”

Registration categories include:

• Standard-Distance Age Categories ranging from ages 18 to 70

• Sprint-Distance Age Categories ranging from ages 16 to 70+

• Kids Duathlon Categories ranging from ages 7 to 15

Early-bird registrants for the WTS Bermuda event can enjoy discounted fees for a limited time until August 30, with regular rates in effect as of August 31.

For youngsters entering the kids duathlon category, registration is free. To sign up, visit bermuda.triathlon.org/register.

For athletes who registered in 2021, the WTS Bermuda organising committee advises that correspondence will be shared directly to each registrant based on contact information submitted last year. Instructions as to how to proceed with joining this year’s event will be included.