America's Matt Reed and England's Jodie Swallow reigned supreme in the second annual Escape to Bermuda Triathlon.

The pair proudly received their trophies in St. George's Square yesterday before a crowd of spectators after storming the gruelling 24-mile course which tested both fitness and determination.

Plunging from fast ferries into the sea a mile from Dockyard, the field made their way to shore with Reed, third place in last year's event, leading the way.

And the 2008 US national champion never seemed to be troubled once out of the water, surging to a 30 second lead going into the 24-mile bike run, which he never relinquished.

Reed crossed the line in one hour, 55 minutes, ten seconds; 15 seconds ahead of second place Simon Thompson, with Michael Raelert, 1:55:49, finishing third.

Pre-race favourite Chris McCormack finished fourth, one minute and 21 seconds behind the champion along with last year's runner-up, Brian Fleischmann, coming fifth.

Swallow also had a day to remember, challenging at the head of the women's contest for the majority of the race before making her move during the run.

The Loughborough native, who has suffered injury problems in the past, stepped to the forefront of the competition, winning in convincing fashion with a time of two hours, five minutes and 56 seconds.

American Sarah Groff came second with a time of 2:07:15, while defending champion and favourite Becky Lavelle finished third, 2:07:25.

Mary-Beth Ellis and Andrea Whitcombe rounded out the top five.

Race winner Reed said he felt it was his day with the conditions conducive to his style.

"The conditions were perfect for me," he said. "There wasn't much wind on the bike and a great day for a race.

"It was a bit different from last year, a bit cooler then the last one, so the heat wasn't a factor as opposed to last year. I like the cooler conditions, they suit me."

"I felt real sluggish at the beginning of the swim and let some of the guys I should have been keeping up with get ahead slightly.

"But halfway through the swim I came good and started to warm up a bit and lead the pack in. I wanted to get a little bit of a gap between myself and those guys on the bike because on the bike once you are in a group it's hard to get away from them.

"So I broke through the ride and held a 30 second gap. That was my plan as I feel I am in good enough running shape to hold that mark and that is what happened.

"I came third last year and it feels real good to win it. I had a chance last year to see the course and I made sure that I was a little bit further along last year in terms of fitness and managed to do what was necessary for the win."

Swallow was a relieved winner after completing what she said was a gruelling course.

"It helped to have the boys up front to chase them so I had the right times in my head," Swallow said. "Sometimes you tend to get complacent with your race, but myself along with a few of the girls were pushed by the guys which made it interesting.

"I could see Sarah during the swim, and onto the bikes Sarah and I had a battle. I had a few of the guys that were cheering me on as they came by me, so that was a bit of an incentive.

"But I didn't know how far ahead I was on the bike until Mary Beth came past me. In the end I thought I had enough to make the break and it paid off."