Perfect training conditions have given Bermuda's triathlon team a boost in the build-up to this year's World Championships in Western Australia.

Veteran campaigner Steven Petty said: "It couldn't have been better. The weather has been perfect, not like the oppressive heat of the summer.'' Petty is a member of an experienced line-up the Island is taking to the coastal city of Perth, with all 11 competitors -- down from last year's Cleveland entry of 20 -- having taken part in at least one previous world championship.

Petty himself, who having recently turned 45 has moved up into the top age category, and Trevor Todd are embarking on their sixth. Among the women, Dawn Robinson takes part in her fifth.

Petty, in fact, was a competitor in the inaugural world championships in Avignon, France, in 1989 and he has competed in countries as diverse as Mexico, New Zealand, the US and England.

"We are fortunate because of where it's being held that we've had the whole season to prepare,'' he added.

Petty, who rates cycling as his best discipline, has been following a strict training regime over recent weeks combining a cycle ride most mornings, a swim at lunchtimes and a run in the evening. Not to mention the equivalent of a complete triathlon most weekends.

But he is not expecting to beat any records, not even personal ones.

"It's difficult as you get older,'' he said. "I've just moved up to the 45-49 age group and it's really a case of pitting yourself against your fellow age group members to see where you stand.'' However, he is backing Bermuda's oldest entrant, 47-year-old Jim Butterfield, who once posted seventh in the Hawaii Iron Man competition, for a top 20 finish in the category.

"Although if you asked him, he'd be too modest to suggest it, I think he's capable,'' said Petty. "I hope I won't be too far behind.'' Laurie Orchard is the Island's youngest competitor, taking part in the female 25-29 age group, while Melanie Claude, the fastest woman in this year's Bermuda Triathlon, her time of 2:28.49 putting her 15 minutes ahead of her nearest challenger, is also out to impress in the 35-39 category.

Most of the team fly out on November 8, arriving in Australia two days later allowing for the time difference after journeys of at least 24 hours.

With the race due to be staged the following Sunday, entrants will have about a week to acclimatise.

Perth is on the brink of summer, so conditions are expected to be warm but not unpleasantly so. A temperature range of 58F-80F is possible. But because the water has not had a chance to warm up sufficiently, a decision on whether wet suits can be worn on the swimming leg will be taken the day before the race.

AUSTRALIA BOUND -- A group of Bermuda triathletes embark on the long trip Down Under next week when they fly to Perth for the World Triathlon Championships.

Pictured (from left to right) are: Melanie Claude, Kevin Tucker, Tab Froud, Patty Petty (team manager), Dawn Robinson, Laurie Orchard, Steven Petty, Trevor Todd and Heather Brand. Also travelling are Gerritt DeJonge, Kent Richardson and Jim Butterfield.