Bermuda Triathlon Association’s 2007 season gets underway this Sunday at Clearwater Beach with a new sponsor for the first race of the season.

Triathletes will compete in the Tokio Millennium Re event over a 750 metre swim, 20K bike ride and 5K run.

The new sponsors have introduced cash prizes for the top three finishers in the men’s and women’s divisions which should provide an extra incentive for Bermuda’s top triathletes to show up on the starting line.

Defending champion Evan Naude, however, will not be present, leaving twin brother Riann as favourite to take overall honours in the men’s division.

With 2005 winner Kris Hedges off the Island and Tyler Butterfield following his cycling career in the USA, Riann Naude’s closest challenge is likely to come from visitor and former professional triathlete Scott LeDrew.

Others to watch will be the experienced Norbert Meyer, who is in training for the 2007 Ironman season and former national triathlon champions Andrew Davis, Jonathan Herring and Neil de ste Croix.

The women’s side should produce a close race between Dee McMullen and Karen Bordage with Kim McMullen and former national champion Julia Hawley also possibly in contention for overall honours.

Dee McMullen enjoyed an outstanding season in 2006, winning the Bermuda National Triathlon Championships and the Shell Gold Cup Triathlon, taking first place in her age group in the Mooseman Half Ironman in the USA and finishing 23rd in her age group in the Triathlon World Championships.

Bordage, who was voted most improved female triathlete in 2006, was the 2006 Bermuda national champion over Sunday’s sprint distances and is in training for the Brazil Ironman in a few weeks’ time.

Also looking for a podium finish will be Joanna Shillingdon whilst Ellen Charnley should also feature among the top places. Missing from the action will be former multiple national champion Karen Smith who aggravated a knee injury in her impressive fourth place finish in a recent half-ironman event in California.

In addition to overall prizes there will be awards in the various age group categories and team events.

A new category in this race, which Tokio hope will grow in numbers over the years, is the Insurance Companies Division, with the overall winners being presented with a cup produced especially for the race.

The event will also feature cash prizes for the fastest swimmer, cyclist and runner in the team categories.

First timers can compete over a 200 metre swim, 10K bike and 2K run in the Tri-a-Tri event.

As usual the races will feature a large junior entry in the pee wee category for ages six to seven and in the seven to 10, and 11-14 races.

Entry deadline is today at 12.30 p.m. with forms available at Sportseller and Winners Edge Bike Shop or online at www.bta.bm