this Sunday.

The Coldwell Banker Bermuda National Duathlon Championships takes place at Southside, St David's with a run-bike-run format.

Seniors will complete a 5K run, a 30K bike and another 5K run, while juniors -- those aged seven to 14 -- will compete over a shorter distance in a bid to encourage newcomers to the sport.

Although the races are national championships, the BTA's spokesman Dave Morrison emphasised they were open to all ages and ability levels.

Morrison said: "These championships will launch what should be a very exciting season for the sport in Bermuda. With triathlon slated as a full medal sport in the Sydney Olympics, the BTA anticipates a boom in the sport in years to come.'' While the BTA have a thriving junior programme in place, the Island's senior triathletes are still expected to be prominent this year.

The likely females to beat will be last year's triathlon champion Laurie Orchard and Julia Hawley while the men to watch include Kent Richardson, Andy Shelp, Neil de ste Croix, Granville Gibbons and Andrew Doble.

In May, a contingent from Bermuda including established triathletes such as Orchard, Kim Mason and Jon Brunson will travel to compete in the prestigious Panama City Half Ironman Triathlon in Florida.

Later, in October, Shelp will return to tackle the Hawaii Ironman Triathlon when he heads to Kona.

A new national team for 13-15-year-olds will travel to compete in the British Junior Triathlon Championship this year as well.

Morrison has been busy formulating standards for representing Bermuda at triathlon. It's hoped that these standards, which are expected to be implemented soon, will include funding for a new elite status category of athlete and Bermuda national team members, and help elevate the level of the Island's triathletes in the future.

The BTA have also launched a website featuring a range of information on the sport in Bermuda and abroad and containing links to other sites, as well as a new hotline providing details of current events, race schedules and membership. It is updated weekly.

The web site can be located at bta.bm while the hotline can be reached on 299-1633.