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Tyler returns to defend title

Tyler Butterfield will be gunning for his second successive Tokio triathlon title.

Tyler Butterfield will defend his Tokio Millenium Re Triathlon this weekend on local shores before setting off for the United States.Butterfield made a surprise return to the Island for last year’s event, romping to victory as he continued his preparation for the Olympic Games.This time around he will be starting as the reigning May 24 Derby champion, and look to make it two successive Tokio titles.A year ago he completed the 750m swim (10.02), 20km bike (29.26) and 5km run (15.49) to finish more than five minutes ahead of nearest his rival Jonathan Herring (1:01.23).Neil De Ste Croix (1:03.23) rounded off the top three in the men’s field.“It should be a good race. I came back for two reasons, one being the Derby and the other the triathlon,” said Butterfield. “They (Tokio) support me a lot and I just want to give back to those who have helped me throughout my career.“It’s good to be back. Last year I was a bit fitter but this year I really have to be fit for the bigger events on my calendar that kick off in October, so it will be a fun time being out there and enjoying the moment.”Kristin Tobey-Robinson won the women’s category for the second straight year in a time of 1:07.38. She finished nearly four minutes ahead of second-placed Laurie Orchard, while Emma O’Connell rounded off the podium finishers.Ed Jordan, of Tokio Millenium, said he was hopeful that the weather would hold up and said he was pleased with entry numbers, particularly in the senior school division.“We have a few new features in the senior school in the duathlon,” he said.“We are trying to get more schools involved and it is good to see them coming out in bigger numbers this year.“It’s great to see Tyler back this year competing. He is a great ambassador for Bermuda and we will continue to support him.”Leading into the final day of registration (yesterday) there were 97 individuals, while 29 teams will take to the course and 45 athletes will compete in the duathlon.There are also 10 teams participating in the senior school challenge.The event starts and finishes at Albuoy’s Point in Hamilton.Those new to the sport are encouraged to participate in the Try-a-Tri featuring a 200m swim, 8km bike and 2km run.Companies can enter teams in the Corporate Division or the (Re) Insurance Division, which will compete over the same distance as the senior athletes and have the chance to win $5,000 for their charity of choice.Children aged seven to ten-years-old can race in a duathlon, comprised of a 1km run, 4km bike and another 1km run. Juniors 11 to 14-years-old will compete over a longer distance — 2km run, 8km bike and 2km runRace pack collection is today between 5pm and 7pm at the Waterfront Properties Courtyard off Pitt’s Bay Road.