Sunday's Bank of Bermuda Triathlon.

A shorter and more spectator-friendly course are two of the reasons the number of entries has soared from the 47 teams who took part a year ago. The entry deadline was also extended to Wednesday.

The event, which begins at 8.00 a.m. from Albouy's Point, features a 750-metre swim, 25-kilometre cycle and 10-kilometre run.

Sunday's triathlon is not to be confused with the individual version next weekend but many of the Island's best known triathletes are expected to take part in both, including Neil de Ste Croix and Shona Palmer.

Over 40 teams have entered in the Open division, including one with de Ste Croix on the bike, joining forces with swimmer Nuri Latham and runner Jay Donawa. Ronald Cowen, Dana Henry and Kavin Smith, winner of the Marathon Derby for the past two years, form another outstanding triumvirate.

But three other teams may have something to say about the final outcome. Craig Ferguson, MacInnis Looby and Sheldon Thompson; Stanley Harris, Vance Stevens and Errol Cormack; and Trevor Nelson, Whayman Butterfield and Colin Swan could all contest the lead.

Palmer anchors what is probably the top female team of Melanie Claude and Julia Hawley. They could be pushed by the Abigail Madeiros-Jeana Jones-Penelope Butterfield and Ailsa Campbell-Samantha Miller-Sarah Smith teams, not to mention Jamie Jared, Claire de Ste Croix and Karen Adams.

In the family division Rod Allen, Richard Mason and Kim Mason will be favourites to retain their title while the male masters trio of Duncan Newby, Jeff Payne and Harry Patchett are good enough not only to win their division but also challenge for overall honours as is the team of James Hinton, Greg Hopkins and Gary Kelson.

Of the female masters teams, Robyn Peck, Linda Dillon and Jane Christie might be slight favourites over Colleen Nelson, Peggy Couper and Maria Duffy with Brenda McLean, Karen Smith and Debbie Butterfield also expected to put up a good showing.

Sunday's race starts at 8.00 a.m. with the swim on a triangular course in Hamilton Harbour. Competitors then cycle several laps of a loop running from Albouy's Point to Court Street, up to Reid Street, back to Queen Street and down to Front Street again.

The finishing run is from the Bank of Bermuda along Front Street to the Longtail statue and back.

TWO OF A KIND -- Shona Palmer and Neil de Ste Croix are both likely to have a say in the outcome of Sunday's triathlon.