overall men's title in today's Bank of Bermuda team triathlon.

Melanie Claude and Lyn Patchett, meanwhile, team up with a new swimmer in Annette Budge in their quest for another women's title.

For Hopkins, who recorded a dramatic win last weekend in the Bank of Bermuda individual event, this weekend will provide a chance for double glory.

However, his team will be hard-pressed to retain their title with the trio of Ronald Cowen, Dana Henry and Kavin Smith their main obstacle.

Insley is unlikely to get the better of Cowen in the one-mile swim and unless Hopkins can open up at least a one minute lead on Henry on the 15-mile bike, Brett Forgesson will more than likely be caught by Kavin Smith on the six-mile run as Smith has dominated the local road running scene in recent years.

Henry was in impressive form in the recent CD&P Grand Prix although Hopkins is the better time triallist. Forgesson is one of Bermuda's top runners but with an out and back loop course, Smith will have him firmly in his sights which could make all the difference.

Not to be overlooked in the open division and for overall honours is the team of Stephen Castri, Jonathan Herring (second in the individual triathlon) and Neil de ste Croix (third in the same event). Castri is a very strong swimmer and may well emerge from the water with the lead group.

However, Herring may have to produce the ride of a lifetime if he is to give de ste Croix any chance of crossing the line first. De ste Croix is himself no mean runner but will probably need two minutes on Smith for his team to stand any chance of the overall title.

On the women's side the team of Budge, Claude and Patchett are fairly evenly matched with the team of Jessica Marwick, Laurie Orchard and Anna Eatherley.

Budge is a very experienced ocean swimmer and last year was one of the leaders out of the water. Sixteen-year-old Marwick was a member of Bermuda's national swimming squad, now disbanded, and her ability to stay in touch with Budge could be a key factor for her team's chances. The difference between the two teams could be Claude as she is in such excellent form that Orchard, herself one of Bermuda's leading cyclists and second in last week's individual triathlon, will have her work cut out to keep Eatherley in with a chance of catching Patchett.