One of the more popular events on the local sports calendar, the AON National Sprint Triathlon, is expected to attract more than 200 competitors in the adult, junior and team divisions when it takes place at Clearwater Beach in St. David's tomorrow.

Star attraction will be Bermuda's Australia-based teenager Tyler Butterfield, who is continuing his preparations for the Commonwealth Games in Manchester, England on August 4.

While nobody in the field can be expected to seriously challenge Butterfield over the 750 metre swim, 20K bike and 5K run there will be strong competition for the remaining podium places.

Nineteen-year-old Jonathan Herring, who recently enjoyed an impressive race at the Nike Victoria International Triathlon in Canada, is an unlikely starter as he recovers from a bike accident on South Shore on Monday that left him with road rash.

That leaves Jamie Pedro along with Andrew Davis and talented junior Geoffrey Smith as the main candidates for a top three place overall.

Veteran Kent Richardson, who like Butterfield will represent Bermuda at the Manchester Games, will not feature as he's continuing his build-up at the Ontario Championships this weekend.

And the same applies to National Triathlon Champion and Commonwealth Games member Karen Smith who has also opted for the Ontario event - her absence leaving the women's field wide open.

Fourteen year-old sensation Flora Duffy could step up to take her first senior national title as well as the 13-15 age group title.

Duffy started the season nursing a recurring leg injury and has been steadily returning to fitness but much will depend on whether she can put her undoubted talent in all three disciplines together and have the stamina to handle the heat and humidity.

Deanna McMullen, the overall winner of the Shell Sprint Triathlon, and Cora Lee Starzomski, second in that event, will also challenge for a top three place with the highest finisher taking the 16-29 title.

Junior Ashley Robinson Roberts has also been returning to fitness after a prolonged absence due to illness and has a realistic chance of a top three finish as she attempts to qualify for Bermuda's junior elite team for the 2002 Triathlon World Championships.

In addition to competing for overall honours, participants will be vying for the various age group titles.

Geoffrey Smith and Duffy will start as firm favourites in the 13-15 event with Smith's nearest challenge likely to come from either Chase Smith, Dominique Nanette, Khamari Greaves or Coyatito Smith. Duffy will be once again be gauging her performance against the 13-15 male juniors.

The 30-39 age group should see Caroline Mitchell emerge as the women's champion. But the men's 30-39 age group is less clear cut with Mark Peters, who had an excellent race to win the age group in the Shell Triathlon, a slight favourite over Duncan Scott, Robert Knapp and Greg Wojiechowski.

The men's 40-49 age group is expected to be closely contested with Jeff Conyers the favourite over Andrew Doble with Steve James and Lea Butterfield hoping to hold off Page Grundmuller and Kim Mason on the women's side.

The championships get underway at 9.30 a.m. and will be preceded by a junior event at 8 a.m. for children between the ages of seven and 10 and a Tri-a-Tri for complete beginners, also at 8 a.m.

More information can be obtained from Ian Fox on 295-7237.