They may all be vying for second place onwards but competition will still be keen among the men participating in this weekend's second annual Shell Gold Cup Triathlon.

The likes of Jamie Pedro, Gilbert Darrell, Chris Conway and Matthew Herring will be among those jostling to join world-class Bermudian triathlete Tyler Butterfield on the medal podium when the event takes place at Clearwater Beach on Sunday morning. Butterfield is naturally expected to be unchallenged for top honours in the 750-metre swim, 20km bike and 5km run but it's anyone's guess who will flank him during the presentation ceremony.

Pedro, winner of the Olympic distance Tri Gatorade Triathlon; up and coming veteran Darrell as well as talented juniors, Conway and Herring, should all be in contention.

Herring will have his hands full trying to wrest the 13-15 title from Geoffrey Smith, Dominique Nanette, Khamari Greaves, Coyatito Smith and Chase Smith.

Darrell may well be sighing with some relief as he contemplates taking the Masters title given the absence of Kent Richardson and Jeff Conyers, both in the USA.

His main challenge should come from Jim Butterfield and Steve Petty.

Notable absences are also expected to have an effect on the women's section, with Cora Lee Starzomski and Deanna McMullen starting as favourites since Karen Smith and Flora Duffy will both be away. McMullen must fancy her chances as she finished six minutes ahead of Starzomski in Bermuda's run/bike/run duathlon championships in March. Still, it must be remembered that Starzomski is a strong swimmer and the other two components of her race have improved dramatically since then.

The women's Masters should see Kim Mason, Lea Butterfield and Page Grundmuller among the frontrunners while juniors Ashley Robinson Roberts, Ashley Kirkpatrick and Melissa DeSilva are also expected to do well.

Keen attention will also be paid to the team event as Australian Brad Kahlefeldt - rated among the world's top 40 - will unit with Greg Hopkins and Steve Castree. Their stiffest opposition should come from the combination of top junior swimmer, Trevor Johnston, national time trial cycling champion, Steve Millington, and runner, Barrie King who will go head-to-head with Kahlefeldt in the triathlon's final stage. This face-off could prove gripping as Kahlefeldt may have to make up a one or two minute deficit on King in the run.

Another combination to watch will be Stuart Joblin, Jeff Payne and Peter Hughes.

In the women's team event, Belinda Castree, Melanie Claude and Victoria Fiddick are strong favourites. Last year, Castree and Claude teamed up with Anna Eatherley in a winning bid.

The senior race will be preceded by races for juniors aged seven to 14. Racing starts at 8 a.m.