over the weekend at the prestigious St. Anthony's triathlon in Tampa, Florida, best known as the kick-off to the US season.

De ste Croix finished 19th out of 167 competitors in the 30-34 category, completing the Olympic course (1.5K swim, 40K bike and 10K run) in two hours, five minutes and 31 seconds.

Matthew Trimm, the only other Bermudian to take part in the event, turned in a 76th placing out of 106 triathletes in the 25-29 division. He completed the course in two hours and 40 minutes.

Overall winner of the men's division in 1:48.19 was Australian Greg Welsh, the reigning champion of the Ironman triathlon.

De ste Croix took individual honours in the Tri-Gatorade event in 2:14.09. He plans to compete in this weekend's Bermuda Grand Prix cycling event and the May 24 Marathon Derby.

The St. Anthony's triathlon boasted a record field of 1,556 triathletes.

Neil de ste Croix