By Patrick Bean International Triathlon Union marketing director Michael Gilmore yesterday promised Bermuda a show unlike any other when Sunday's much-anticipated Triathlon World Cup begins at 8 a.m. at Whaler Inn Beach.

Announcing the current crop set to descend on the Island as a veritable "new breed'', Gilmore said that the event would provide a rare opportunity for spectators to witness the best triathletes the world has to offer.

"I think if they come watch this race they'll be amazed at the quality of the athletes, the intensity that they go at it, the strength, the strategy, it's a whole new breed of athletes since '87,'' said Gilmore. "There'll be a dynamic difference for them, they'll really like it.'' One of those tipped by Gilmore to provide much of the entertainment, if not win the race, was Germany's Ralf Eggert, who was third at the recent World Cup race held in Brazil and currently ranked fifth in the world and third for this event.

"I would say that he is the favourite as he is probably the fittest,'' said Gilmore.

However, Eggert was somewhat more modest when asked about his chances of emerging from the pack and seizing the winning percentage of the $50,000 prize purse on offer.

"No. I don't expect it, but I hope so,'' said the diminutive German, obviously concerned about the strong 45-member field assembled for Sunday. "I don't know about that (because) other people like Philippe Fattori and Jean Guinchard are there and I know they're pretty sound on the bike, especially Jean Guinchard, and Philippe is very strong on the run.

"If he (Fattori) can catch up with the first group he might have a chance to win and if Jean Guinchard can get away from the first group he might have a chance.

"(Also) Benjamin (Sanson) is a strong swimmer and if he has a lead of 1:30 (minutes) and he's doing well working with his brother they could get away from the pack and get a lead of two or three minutes he could also possibly win. There's lots of people who could win.'' As for current form Eggert said he felt good, yet was surprised that his body had been able to hold up against the rigours of a long season involving travelling to many exotic destinations around the globe.

Evidence of this came at the Brazil event and a good showing here could further enhance his pedigree.

"Well, I've had a pretty long season up until now with lots of races and couldn't train much, so I was quite surprised getting third place last week in Brazil, so I'm looking forward to the race and for more improvement...better than third place I hope,'' said Eggert.

Strong in both the cycle and run phases, Eggert pointed to the swim as the area to dictate whether he can distinguish himself as a champion or a simple also-ran.

French brothers Benjamin and Jerome Sanson are expected to be the first out of the water, but if Eggert can maintain close proximity to that lead group in the swim phase his chances are enhanced.

Said Eggert: "I have to have a good swim, that is my weak discipline, the rest will take care of itself.

"Usually I'm behind the specialist pack -- somewhere in between -- so I've always had problems trying to catch the first pack, but last weekend I had a very good swim. I was out in front of the second chasing group behind Benjamin (Sanson) so it was easy to catch them and I hope to do the same again this weekend.''