Triathlon star Flora Duffy wants to return home to race in Bermuda, her mother said yesterday.

Maria Duffy said Duffy was “thrilled” to be coming home to compete in the MS Amlin World Triathlon Bermuda.

She added: “She loves Bermuda — she’s an ambassador wherever she goes.”

Ms Duffy was speaking yesterday at a pep rally held at Hamilton’s City Hall to promote the endurance event, scheduled to start on April 27.

The race will include 100 athletes who will compete for Olympic qualifying points and more than 600 people are expected to take part in the weekend event.

Ms Duffy said that her daughter, a two time world champion and Commonwealth Games gold medal-winner, would wear Bermuda colours for the race.

She added: “The bike’s pink and blue, the bathing suit’s pink and blue.”

Ms Duffy said that the City of Hamilton was a superb venue for a triathlon and last year’s event was a huge success.

She added: “People still stop me in the street now and say what a great event it was a year on. It’s wonderful.”

Ms Duffy said that the event also showcased the sport to Bermudians.

She explained: “It’s not just a swim, bike, run.

“It’s a swim, bike, run done with frenetic pace, great camaraderie and the lead changes constantly.”

Ms Duffy added that the it was not the first swimmer out of the water that would win the race.

She said: “There’s lots of changes that can happen. So it’s anybody’s race. You just never give up.”

Ms Duffy said she would take part this year as a competitor in the Olympic Distance race — the same distance as her daughter.

She added: “I think she’s got to be excited, proud. Not everybody’s mom is out there at 66.”

Charles Gosling, the Mayor of Hamilton, said the race was “the most highly anticipated and prestigious international sporting event that Bermuda has ever hosted”.

He told the crowd: “Bermuda put on a great show last year and we’re ready to do it all over again.”

Mr Gosling said people should to come out and cheer on the competitors and attend an event designed to highlight Hamilton businesses on April 28.

He added: “Our restaurant and retail community are deserving of our support.”

Mr Gosling said: “It is my hope that all of our city’s business, residents and workforce embrace this opportunity to share and showcase just how great our Bermuda home is.

“Each of us can be the best island ambassador. All you have to do is be proud of who and what we collectively are, and be willing to share it with our visitors.”

The MS Amlin World Triathlon is one of several World Series Triathlon events scheduled for the island over the next two years.

The ITU Grand Final and Age Group World Championships will be held in 2021.