Flora Duffy believes Bermuda can become a popular destination for triathlon tourists after being cast in a starring role for Triathlete Magazine’s annual swimsuit issue.

The leading international publication, which hits newsstands next Tuesday, features a photoshoot at various exotic locations on the Island, including Grotto Bay Beach Resort.

A destination guide will accompany the magazine’s multi-page special, highlighting Bermuda’s top restaurants, resorts and activities, while a behind-the-scenes video from the shoot will be available online.

Duffy, a two-times Olympian, is an avid reader of the magazine and said it did a great job of capturing the Island’s natural beauty after getting an advanced peak.

“Bermuda photographs so beautifully and looks really good in the magazine,” said Duffy, who returned to the Island to compete in the Tokio Millennium Re Sprint Triathlon at the weekend.

“The swimsuit edition comes out every summer and all the readers look forward to seeing where they did the shoot. It’s great for Bermuda and hopefully it will entice more people here and expose the Island to a new demographic of travellers.

“It’s really exciting that there’s a little partnership emerging between triathlon and Bermuda. It’s combining the two things I love.”

As a triathlete, Duffy is a product of the pink beaches, turquoise water and subtropical climate, which provided her with a picturesque platform to pursue her career.

The 27-year-old, who experienced her first Iron Kids triathlon for Tri Heads at the age of 8, believes it is hard to imagine a better location to combine a relaxing vacation while pursuing a passion for triathlon.

“I grew up in Bermuda, I’m a huge Bermuda fan and this is where I got my start in triathlon,” said Duffy, who is based in Boulder, Colorado.

“This Island offers a lot to triathletes who want to come here and train or compete, regardless of how serious they are. “It’s an ideal place; the railway trails are in great shape for mountain biking, the roads are great to ride and the water is just beautiful. You can’t really ask for any more.”

Duffy, the Xterra (off-road) world champion, said the local races offer a more intimate experience for triathlon enthusiasts in comparison with the huge events in the United States, “where you can get lost in them”.

She added: “The triathlon community in Bermuda is really inviting and the races are smaller and more personable. There’s a lot of support, it’s not super competitive and there are a lot of people just out there having fun. That’s what triathlon should be all about.”

Bethany Mavis, the managing editor of Triathlete Magazine, said that she was pleasantly surprised by the Island’s vibrant triathlon community and warm hospitality. “With its miles of stunning pink-sand beaches and crystal-clear water, Bermuda was the ideal locale for our annual triathlete swimsuit photoshoot,” she said.

On the heels of being named “Best Island” in Outside magazine, a publication popular with adventure-seeking travellers, Bermuda has featured in a number of North American media outlets, including The New York Times, Boston Globe Magazine, Men’s Journal, USA Today and TravelChannel.com.

• For the Triathlete Magazine spread, click on the PDF link under “Related Media”.