Aussie Phillip Sly is delighted Race Weekend is back on, and can't wait to return to Bermuda to grab half marathon glory.

Sly, who finished third in both the 10k and half-marathon last year, was among those left disappointed that Race Weekend was being cancelled for 2005.

But once avuncular philanthropist David Barber threw his money into the Bermuda Track and Field Association hat to help resurrect the event, Sly joined the ranks of the delighted.

“I'm so glad it's back on,” said said Sly, who as well as competing in top class athletics, runs a software company with offices in both London and his native Melbourne.

“Bermuda is a great place to visit and it is one of the places on the circuit that everyone loves to visit. Everyone is so friendly, from the organisers to the other athletes to the people cheering you in the streets.

“It would have been a shame to lose it from the racing calendar.”

For Sly, currently training in the wind and rain of South London, Bermuda will provide a welcome return to competition and, like it does for so many athletes, will prove a useful platform in the pursuit of a larger goal.

“Don't get me wrong, I am after a win in the half marathon,” said Sly, who has competed in India, Slovenia, Germany and France in the past 11 months.

“But it is also a good race for me as part of my build-up for the London Marathon. Doing these two races in Bermuda allows me to work on certain things for the longer race which is my main aim.

“But after coming third in both events last year, it would be great to snatch victory this time around and that is what I am looking to do in the half.”

Although still awaiting official confirmation, Sly is expecting to fly out to Bermuda next Thursday ahead of Saturday's 10K.