Seven of the Island?s leading athletes ? all members of the new RMS Fitech Multisport Racing Team ? will face a stiff test this weekend in Alabama when they compete in the Irondale Powerman Duathlon.

National duathlon champion Lynn Patchett and top Masters runner/cyclist Ricky Sousa are participating in their second Alabama Powerman. Both placed well in the 2003 event with Patchett winning her 30-35 age group, placing second among amateur women. Sousa was fifth in his 40-45 age group.

Ricky Sousa Junior has entered the shorter Whistlestop Duathlon (two 4 kilometre runs and a 27.5K bike). He is in great form on both the bike and run, having won the IBC Front Street Criterium and his age group in the Inter-schools cross-country championships.

Kim McMullen, third in her 30-35 age group at the World Long Course Triathlon Championships last year in Sweden, is capable of performing equally well in Alabama.

Twins Riaan and Evan Naude have become highly respected by fellow competitors for their running and triathlon exploits, often duelling between themselves for national duathlon and road-racing titles. They finished one-two in the Front Street Mile in January and last season?s National Duathlon Championship,; Evan edging out his brother on both occasions.

They are using the Powerman as a warm-up for their triathlon ambitions with their main goal being the World Championships in Hawaii in October.

Norbert Meyer who placed third among local men in the International Marathon at Bermuda International Race Weekend is also competing. He too is focusing on Hawaii in the fall and has increased his fitness significantly on the bike. Meyer expects a solid performance this weekend.

The race, consisting of an 8K run, 55K bike and another 8K run over hilly terrain is the USAT (United States Triathlon) Southeast Regional Duathlon Championships and a qualifier for the World Short Course Duathlon Championships in Australia in September.

Given its popularity, the event is competitive across all age groups. Last year?s champions and pro duathletes Greg Watson and Deirdre Flicker will defend their titles.