A new men’s champion will be crowned at Sunday’s Bank of Bermuda Foundation Triathlon in St George’s.

Ben Wright, the event director, confirmed that reigning men’s champion Jonathan Herring has opted not to defend his title at the senior and junior individual and team event sanctioned by the Bermuda Triathlon Association.

“Jonathan is definitely not racing, so I think the men’s division is wide open right now,” Wright said.

Last year Herring, who represented Bermuda at last month’s Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, romped to victory in the men’s division for the second straight year.

He finished more than a minute ahead of nearest rivals Evan Naude and Tyler Smith after covering the distance in a combined time of 1hr 3min 22sec.

Neil de St Croix and Mark Wilcox, who won the men’s Masters’ title last year, are among the favourites to claim Herring’s vacant title.

Back to defend her women’s crown is Belinda Castree who crossed the line last year in 1:13.05, more than a minute ahead of nearest rivals Laurie Orchard and Heather Cooper.

Orchard is also returning this year.

More than one hundred senior and junior athletes had registered for Sunday’s event before the registration deadline that expires at 6pm today.

“I’m hoping we get a few more entries and hopefully the weather holds up for us,” Wright said.

This year has seen the 13-15 junior course modified to bring it up to par with international standards.

“It’s a half sprint which used to be slightly less so we are in line with ITU standards across the world,” Wright said. “It’s now an official half sprint which is the official distance for the 13-15 year olds to race on.

“I think is a good opportunity for the juniors to race over the same distance as they do when they go overseas. Now they can really benchmark themselves over the equivalent distance.”

Adults will compete on a course comprised of a 750 metre swim, 20K bike and 5k run with the start and finish located in King’s Square.

Juniors ranging in age from seven to 15 will compete on three separate race courses and two different bikes: road bike and mountain bike.

“This is the third time we have held the event in St George’s and the second time we have done this course, so hopefully it’s going to be a little bit smoother than last year,” Wright said.

Check-in begins at 7am with all junior bikes required to be on the rack by 7:40am and adults by 8:40am.

A mandatory race briefing will be held at 7:45am in transition on Ordinance Island for all junior participants and 8:45am for adult participants

The junior race starts at 8am, with the adults event at 9am.