Bermuda Triathlon Association are to join forces with sports management giants IMG to bring a major international triathlon to the Island.

IMG, who have been working with the Department of Tourism for two years developing Bermuda?s sports tourism packages, own both the Escape from Alcatraz triathlon in San Francisco ? one of the most prestigious races in the sport ? as well as the branding and licensing rights of the Escape to Alcatraz triathlon series which boasts eight top-class events worldwide.

IMG consultant Roddy Carr told yesterday that the Department of Tourism had just given their approval to the plan and he would now begin working with the BTA to make it a reality.

?What we were looking for is an event which would showcase the Island?s outstanding natural beauty from the air,? said Carr, who commutes back and forth between Bermuda and his offices in New York.

?And given that we own licensing rights of the Escape to Alcatraz triathlon series, it would be possible to incorporate Bermuda into this event. It would be a very good fit for all concerned.?

A triathlon event of this proposed magnitude usually receives significant media attention, Carr added, including live coverage on cable television in the United States.

Tourism Minister Dr. Ewart Brown originally broke the news on Thursday following a media lunch at the Fairmont Hamilton Princess.

Dr. Brown said in his speech that the Department of Tourism had already begun working with the BTA to bring the idea to fruition.

But when contacted yesterday BTA president Stephen Petty said he knew absolutely nothing about the initiative.

The confusion was eventually cleared up when Brown and Carr later admitted that the text of the Tourism Minister?s prepared speech was wrong and should have indicated that they were about to enter into discussions with the sport?s local governing body.

Later Petty, after he had spoken with Carr yesterday afternoon, indicated he would be happy to co-operate with IMG.

?We are obviously excited by the news,? he said.

?The plan is only in its initial stages and there is a long way to go but if we could pull something like this off it would be incredible for triathlon and Bermuda.?