triathlon in Florida on Sunday when he broke into the top 10 for the first time.

Richardson, who has been competing in the event for four years, had aimed to place in the top 10 or break the two-hour barrier -- or, preferably, both.

He ended up sixth among 140 competitiors in the 40-44 age group, but failed to dip under two hours.

The Bermudian was in fifth place at the end of the bike ride and one athlete then passed him on the run. But a sixth place finish with a personal best time of 2:06.52 was still pleasing for Richardson who will return home tomorrow after four months of training abroad.

"It was a little windier, a little harder on the bike this year and there were also a lot more people,'' said Richardson. Last year his time of 2:07.20 earned him 13th overall among 115 competitors.

The winner of Richardson's age group was one of his training partners, Jeff Cutterback, in 1:58, good enough for fourth overall among the amateurs.

The triathlon involved a one mile swim, 24.8 mile bike ride and 10K run.