Town Mayor Mariea Caisey has spoken to assure residents of St. George's that they will not be prevented from going to church this Sunday by any road closures due to the Escape to Bermuda international triathlon event, which is expected to reach the East End of the Island between 9 a.m. and 10 a.m.

The sporting event will feature a number of likely 2008 Olympic contenders and national champions from various countries and starts with a mile swim off Dockyard before the competitors cycle 24 miles across the length of the Island to St. George's where they will then run six miles to complete the three-discipline sporting challenge.

With competitors starting the swim at 8 a.m. it is envisaged they will eventually arrive in St. George's on their cycles around 9 a.m. although slower competitors will continue to arrive throughout the morning.

Concern has been expressed by church goers that they will be prevented from reaching their churches due to road closures. However, St. George's mayor Ms Caisey said that won't be so, but admitted there had been "teething pains" getting all the information about what is happening out to residents and the churches.

"I want the church people to know that the roads will not be closed. We will not be allowing through-traffic, but people will be able to get to the churches," she said.

Ms Caisey said there may be slight delays because of the need to ensure competitors can arrive in the town and complete the final run around the outskirts of St. George's.

"We look forward to having our visitors and the competitors with this grand event. There have been some teething pains with information getting out but I want the churches to know the roads will not be closed."