Race director Aaron Smith has hailed last weekend’s Digicel Trifest and Camtri Sprint Triathlon American Cup in Hamilton as a huge success.

Some 35 elite athletes joined more than 100 local participants in the race, the first ITU-sanctioned triathlon in Bermuda in 20 years.

“By all accounts, Sunday’s event was a resounding success,” Smith wrote yesterday on the Bermuda Triathlon News website. “With over 100 local participants and 35 elite athletes we exceeded expectations for this inaugural event. Congratulations to all who participated.

“I couldn’t be prouder of what we were able to accomplish, especially given the challenges of limited resources and experience with events of this calibre. Nothing would have been possible without our sponsors. The Bermuda Tourism Authority have proved to be an invaluable supporter of our sport.

“The fact that we were able to provide more than just a race but a Trifest experience that included training camps, officials’ clinics and an expo in addition to junior, age-group, team and elite racing, fits their vision and ours for growing Bermuda as a sports tourism destination, hopefully with triathlon as a key element.”

Smith praised Digicel who stepped in at the last minute to be the lead corporate sponsor, providing not only funding but several valuable prizes. Other sponsors included Oakley Capital Investments, Butterfield & Vallis, BGA, Barritt’s, Phoenix Stores and East End Telecom.

“In addition, there were several businesses along our route who were impacted by road closures but for whom we are grateful for their co-operation and contributions including BUEI, RUBiS East Broadway, The SuperMart, Tribe Road Kitchen, Docksiders, Bermuda Bistro, Flanagan’s and the Pickled Onion,” Smith added. “We had over 50 volunteers sign up to help with the Trifest, many of whom put in long hours not just on race day but leading up to the race with planning and preparation. Without your time and dedication, the event would not have been possible.”

Smith also praised members of the local organising committee — Julia Hawley, Steve O’Reilly, Ian Pilgrim and Alex Shepherd, visiting ITU technical delegate, Andrew Dacanay, and race referee Patty Petty.

“As well as everyone who served as a technical official, after taking a demanding clinic, section chiefs, road marshals and all of the other roles,” Smith said. “It was my honour and privilege to be the Race Director for Bermuda’s first Continental Cup. My greatest reward has been the accolades and commendations we have received from the elite athletes thanking us for everything from their transportation and homestays, to the course layout and volunteer assistance … a true community effort!

“The female winner, Dominika Jamnicky, said that the hospitality was overwhelming and it was one of the best run events that she has ever attended … This was her 63rd ITU event!”

n Flora Duffy has decided to delay her comeback to competition in order to full recover from an injury. Duffy told Bermuda Triathlon News that she could have got her ITU World Series campaign under way last week in the Gold Coast leg of the series but opted to sit out to ensure she fully recovers from injury.