Former Hawaii Ironman champion Chris McCormack and England's Jodie Swallow are both harbouring hopes of winning the second Escape to Bermuda Triathlon on Sunday.

McCormack, who recently suffered heartache in Hawaii when a gear cable broke on his bike forcing him to withdraw from the race, has the burden of the favourites tag bestowed upon him.

The Aussie has reached the pinnacle of world triathlon at every distance and at 35 is not quite ready to pass the mantle of being the world's best just yet.

He has won many Olympic distance races during his career including the 1997 World Championships and World Cup Series.

"I came here in January and heard of the race and was excited about the opportunity to compete in such a beautiful place," said McCormack.

"I was anticipating coming to the Island with an Ironman in my legs, but that didn't go according to plan. I'm a lot fresher then I anticipated with not completing the Ironman and it's a pleasure to be back in action.

"Triathlon is a destination sport and Bermuda is a destination so I will enjoy a few days relaxing and then get into the right mind frame to compete.

"The riders coming here are more than world-class. Just last weekend in the World Cup event in Mexico, four of the riders here placed in the top ten there."

McCormack admits the younger atheletes may hold the advantage over him in terms of speed but believes his extra experience will see him through.

"I'm a little older then the guys here, and when I left short course I was the champion, so it will be interesting to see how I compete with these guys.," he said.

"This is definitely not a speed course with all the hills, and their advantage over me would be speed, but I think that when a course takes away speed it can even things out a bit.

"I'm stubborn and would like to win this race. I will try my best to beat the young guys, and I have no doubt that they wouldn't like an old dog like me beating them."

Swallow, who has had a very good season as well, will be looking to break the spell held over her by race favourite and defending champion Becky Lavelle.

Beijing Olympic champion Lavelle narrowly beat Swallow in a non-drafting event earlier this season and will be the triathlete to overcome once again on Sunday. However, Swallow has enjoyed a consistent season and will be aiming to push Lavelle and believes a podium finish is within her grasp. "I haven't taken a look at the course yet as I just arrived on the Island yesterday," said Swallow.

"But I've heard good things about it, it's hilly and tough on the run especially.

"I know the ladies who are here as we have raced against each other quite often this season.

"So it will be quite interesting to see how different it will be on a windy, twisty course. Becky will be the favourite and she has one up on me this year, so I will be looking to keep up with her this time. However, my season has been good. I have had a lot of races but got consistent results and a few podiums.

"Everyone wants to win the race, but realistically a podium is what I'm looking for."

Escape to Bermuda kicks off at 7.30 a.m. and will see competitors take the plunge off the Royal Naval Dockyard and swim the one-mile course to King's Stairs near the famous Clock tower.

Competitors will then cycle a 24-mile course from Dockyard to St. George's before completing the event with a six-mile run through the streets of the historic town.