Some 25 international triathletes will battle with Bermuda's best swimmers, cyclists and runners in this Saturday morning's TriGatorade event, starting at the US Naval Air Station in St. David's at 9.30.

Former Russian soldier and now corporate banker, Ross Galitsky of the New York University TriClub, heads the overseas challenge against a local entry which will include reigning Bermuda champion Neil de ste Croix.

Also flying in are two top ranked female age-group triathletes, Anna Coatsworth and Aubin Sullivan, also of the NYU TRiClub, who will match their endurance and speed against leading locals Shona Palmer and Melanie Claude.

Open to teams as well as individuals, the event takes place over the standard Olympic distance -- 1.5k swim, 40 bike ride and 10k run.

And to fend off the US attack, Bermuda has put together its own crack team featuring swimmer Trevor Ferguson, cyclist Greg Hopkins and runner Kavin Smith.

The Bermuda women's team of swimmer Karen Meyer, cyclist Maggie Hateley and runner Julia Hawley is also expected to challenge any overseas team entry.

According to race director, Patrick Hackenberg, many factors will affect the outcome of the race, not least the amount of training athletes have put in during the winter.

Scott Willett, coach of the NYU TriClub, agreed with that assessement.

Willett has competed in ultra-distance and multi-sport events since 1980, including a triple Ironman triathlon (swimming 7.2 miles, cycling 336 miles and running three marathons), two double ironman triathlons and the swim around Manhattan.

Willett admitted the NYU TriClub athletes might have trouble with this Saturday's open water swim as many train year round in an indoor pool. He also pointed out the weather in the US northeast had not been as conducive as Bermuda's winter weather for cycling and running.

Said Hackenberg: "The cyclists and runners here in Bermuda have been competing since International Race Weekend. They are in top shape. The trouble with a triathlon is that you also need to swim and no one wants to get into the water here until May 24.'' The event, however, will allow participants to wear wetsuits for the swim which should lead to faster times.

The visiting TriClub team will be made up with an assortment of students, alumni, professors and administrative staff. The TriClub has been active since 1986 under the coaching of Willett, who also coaches the cycling team.

Club members compete in regional and national races across the USA and two of the most consistent are tall, blonde Anna Coatsworth and Russian Galitsky.

Last year Coatsworth finished first in her age group in the largest east coach triathlon in Columbia, Maryland, qualifying for the USA age-group team to the World Championships.

She was also the first woman overall in four other races last year, ranging from sprint triathlons to multi-distance survival races.

Locally, de ste Croix, Claude and Palmer have been putting in personal best performances in the early running and cycling races this year.

And as the TriGatorade is a qualifying event for the World Championships, many of the locals will try to qualify for the event to be held in Cancun, Mexico later this year.

Deadline for entries is today at 5 p.m., though late entries will be accepted on race day at an additional fee. Entry forms are available from the Sportseller and the New Winners Edge.

Competitors will be vying for $150 vouchers and other prizes.

CRICKET CRI There will be a meeting for all Young Men's Social Club cricketers this evening at the club at 6.30 p.m. sharp.

SOCCER SOC Devonshire Recreation Club will hold a meeting for all Cougars soccer players at the club this evening, starting at 7.00 p.m.