The quality of the field for Escape to Bermuda Triathlon was confirmed at the International Triathlon Union World Cup Series Triathlon in Huatulco, Mexico last weekend – a race described by participants as the toughest World Cup Series race.

Of the professional triathletes racing in Bermuda on Sunday three featured in the top ten men and three in the top four women.

Leading the way on the men's side was American Jarrod Shoemaker, 18th at this year's Olympic Games, who took the silver medal in Huatulco while German's Thomas Springer in fourth place and Michael Raelert in seventh place also cracked the top ten.

Matt Reed of the United States, the 2008 US National Champion who finished 3rd in Bermuda last year, only managed 15th place in the searing heat of Huatulco, while fellow American Brian Fleischmann, second in Bermuda last year, finished 12th.

On the women's side American Sarah Groff, one of the up and coming stars in the sport, took the silver medal at Huatulco with Britain's Andrea Whitcombe taking the bronze and Jodie Swallow finishing in fourth place.

Chris McCormack of Australia, the 2007 Hawaii Ironman Champion, will still start as a firm favourite on Sunday but the performances of Shoemaker, Springer and Raelert suggest competition for podium places will be much tougher this year among the male professionals.

Becky Lavelle, the defending champion, has already beaten Groff this year and will again start as the favourite going into Sunday's race but the addition of Groff, Whitcombe and Swallow, as well as the USA's Mary Beth Ellis are sure to make the women's race close.