overall and first in his age group at an event held in Gatineau, Quebec.

Described as a "sprint'' distance race, competitors were required to swim one kilometre followed by a 20-kilometre cycle and finally a seven-kilometre run over what is considered the toughest course in Canada.

In choppy conditions the 39-year-old Bermuda champion emerged from the opening swim sixth on account of a 13:25 clocking, which was just under two minutes slower than leader Mike Greensberg of Ontario.

Once on the bike -- his favourite discipline -- Hopkins quickly reeled in the duo immediately ahead of him and by the time he reached the turnaround at the 10-kilometre mark had moved to fourth.

The course through Gatineau Park was a hilly one, but Hopkins excelled nonetheless, recording the fastest time of the day -- 32:02 -- and stood second at the end of the phase.

To his displeasure a slow transition meant that he dropped to third before setting out for the run, being overtaken by Ian Fraser, and found it impossible to improve on that position.

Fraser went on to record victory in a record time of 1:17:32, as he overhauled Greensberg as well and Hopkins (34:02 for the run) had to be satisfied with third place.

All three in fact bettered the previous course record of 1:22:00 with Hopkins at 1:19:29 and Greensburg 1:19:03.

Hopkins' next race is today in Muskoka, Ontario.