The Royal Gazette is to be a main sponsor for the MS Amlin World Triathlon Bermuda, it was announced yesterday.

The event, which is the second stop on the World Triathlon Series circuit, will see Bermudian Flora Duffy, a world champion triathlete, compete on home soil for the first time as an elite athlete.

Jonathan Howes, chief executive officer of The Royal Gazette, said: “Flora is Bermuda’s most decorated international athlete, winning eight world championship titles in various disciplines of triathlon.

“We are proud of her and are proud to support our community as a main sponsor of this event.”

Mr Howes added: “After a successful 35th America’s Cup, Bermuda hosting an ITU World Series event is a great next step in the evolution of sports tourism for the island. The Royal Gazette is pleased to support this initiative, as it will elevate Bermuda’s international profile and support our economy.”

The ITU-governed event will be hosted in Hamilton on April 28 and organisers are encouraging residents to line the streets to support Duffy and the hundreds of visiting athletes.

Phil Schmidt, local organising committee chairman, said: “The Royal Gazette’s sister company, Bermuda Press, will print a lot of our branding and signage around the course and in the event venue.

“We are pleased to produce as much as we can on-island.”

The event includes a swim in Hamilton Harbour, a bike course up Corkscrew Hill and a run through Hamilton.

Free public viewing areas and a VIP section will be part of the event venue and large screens will be installed on Front Street.