Anticipation continues to build as the countdown to the return of the World Triathlon Championship Series Bermuda is now less than a month away.

All eyes will be on local favourite Dame Flora Duffy – racing on island for the first time as Olympic champion – as she continues her quest for a record fourth world title.

However, Duffy will not be the only Bermudian racing on November 5 and 6, with burgeoning talents Erica Hawley and Tyler Smith having also secured their places in the elite women and men’s fields respectively, adding to Bermuda’s growing involvement at the top level of the sport.

“Development of local triathletes has really come on in recent years,” said Alec Shepherd, Vice president, Bermuda Triathlon Association and member of the WTCS Bermuda Local Organising Committee. “Bermuda has a tremendous amount of talent and a lot to look forward to with the rise of Erica Hawley, Tyler Smith and others coming through.

“Bermuda’s natural surroundings are an ideal year-round training ground for the sport. Our youth programmes have been flourishing and a large number of local amateur athletes will be participating in the Age Group races and the RenaissanceRe Kids Duathlon on the same streets that the Elites will race on in the City of Hamilton.”

The island will be buzzing with activities in the lead up to the November races. Youth interested in learning more about the sport will have an opportunity to register for the upcoming HSBC Kids Clinics happening on October 16, 23, and 30, at National Sports Centre’s North Field.

Meanwhile, registration for Age Group and Relay Team athletes – at tribermuda.com – continues throughout the month of October. The event organisers are inviting people to get together to swim, bike, run and to challenge themselves, whether taking on the entire course single-handedly, or by combining efforts to build a relay team.

Relay teams can be corporate, all female, all male or male and female.

Incentives for signups include charitable donations on behalf of winning corporate teams, additional prizes for top Age Group and Mixed Relay finishers, along with a number of additional prize draws.

Participants can look forward to feeding off of the energy of live spectators lining the swim, bike, and run courses weaving through Hamilton’s harbour and city streets as well as within the free viewing areas spread out along Front Street.

“It’s been a few years since our last Bermuda-based event, and now we’re looking at it being a few weeks away,” said Hazel Clark, Chairperson and CEO, WTS BDA Ltd.

“The line-up of athletes participating is undeniably exciting. The energy building is indescribable, ahead of a great weekend of Age Group and Elite racing.”

Company support for the WTCS Bermuda has been consistently strong over the years with the 2022 event being no exception. The line-up of sponsors is an indication of unwavering dedication to ensure a successful event, and to ensure Bermuda continues to shine as a world class sporting venue.

In addition to corporate support, the WTCS Bermuda event organisers continue to build their volunteer base.

All those interested in being a part of the weekend’s activities are encouraged to register their interest online at bermuda.triathlon.org/volunteer.

Official Volunteer programme Supplier PwC is offering Apple products and other prizes for a few lucky winners signing up for two or more shifts.

Additional announcements for activities surrounding athletic forums, traffic detours, and the races will be announced in due course.

For individuals and teams interested in participating, registration can be completed at tribermuda.com.

For detailed information, the public can visit the event website at tribermuda.com, and follow @worldtriathlonbermuda on Instagram and Facebook.