counterparts with some impressive results in Chicago over the weekend.

Top local Neil de Ste. Croix, who will compete alongside the leading professionals when Bermuda hosts a World Cup Triathlon late next month, finished a creditable 24th in the Open amateur division of the Mrs. T's Chicago event in a class field of 380.

De Ste. Croix clocked 2:10.26 over the 1.5K swim, 40K cycle and 10K run.

Jeremy Ball, meanwhile, won his age group (45-49) when he led home a field of 78 to clock 2:20.31.

Stephen Petty, in the 40-44 age division, managed 17th place in 2:31 despite problems on the bike when damage to his chain cost him about two minutes.

Melanie Claude, Bermuda's only female representative, took fourth place in a field of 94 in her age group with a time of 2:33.11.

Earlier, on Saturday, several of the Island's youngsters excelled at the Chicago Ironkids Triathlon with Adam Petty, son of Stephen, winning the boys' seven to eight age division.

Sunday's senior race was marred, for the second straight year, by the death of a competitor.

According to Associated Press, John Mawdsley, 39, of suburban Barrington lost consciousness near the end of the 1.5-kilometre swim. Lifeguards plucked him out of Lake Michigan and paramedics tried to revive him for nearly an hour without success. An autopsy was scheduled yesterday.

Last year, Michael Lanham, 42, of Chicago died after suffering a heart attack after completing the swimming portion. He was about to begin the 40-kilometre bicycling portion.

At least 100 people were treated for heat-related problems by medical staff during this year's triathlon. Temperatures were in the low 80s along the lake with very high humidity.

Dr. Edward Winslow, who led the team that tried to revive Mawdsley, said heat was not a factor in his death.

About 4,500 professional and amateur triathletes competed in the 13th annual race, billed as world's largest triathlon.

Spencer Smith of England, who finished in one hour, 46 minutes and 59 seconds, won the men's division. In the women's division, Michellie Jones of Australia won in 2:01.15. Each winner received $5,000.

Neil de Ste. Croix