Jonathan Herring successfully defended his men’s crown while Belinda Castree captured her first women’s title in the Bank of Bank of Bermuda Foundation Triathlon in St George’s today.

Herring covered the half-mile swim, 20k bike and 5k run in a combined time of 1:03.22, breaking the tape in the town square more than a minute ahead of Evan Naude (1:04.43) and Tyler Smith (1:05.29) who rounded off the top three in the men’s field.

Teenager Smith crossed the line ahead of Naude but was later penalised a minute for infringing race rules — not wearing a number belt in one of the transitions.

It was a cruel twist to what was otherwise an impressive display by the Somersfield Academy student.

Castree’s triumph was equally as convincing as her winning time of 1:13.05 was more than a minute faster than nearest rival Laurie Orchard (1:14.22) and two minutes faster than Heather Cooper (1:15.20) who completed the women’s podium finishers.

Defending women’s champ Karen Smith and professional triathlete Flora Duffy both registered for the event but did not compete.

Herring’s winning time was more than two minutes slower than last year, primarily due to a flat tyre that stalled his victory charge.

“I got a flat tyre in St David’s turning into Clearwater Middle School,” he explained. “It was just a slow flat so I tried to hammer while I still had the chance.

“But by the time I turned at the airport it was completely flat so I was literally crawling along like 15 miles an hour from St George’s roundabout back in St George’s (town square).”

Despite that setback on the bike Herring managed to wrestle the lead away from Smith who was the first swimmer out of the water at Ordnance Island.

But with just over a minute separating the top contenders Herring still had a lot to do on the run trying to keep a rival half his age at bay.

“I was first off the bike but I would’ve still liked another minute and a half,” Herring added. “In the end I was surprised actually because on a hilly course like that someone of Tyler’s size and talent can make up a lot of ground so I knew I still had to hammer on that run. I really didn’t think I was going to be able to hold (the lead), but it worked out.”

Smith’s progress was stalled after he also suffered a flat tyre and his fortunes took yet another turn for the worse with his penalty at the end.

Still, the promising athlete was satisfied with his performance.

“I’m pleased with my time considering everything that happened,” he said. “It was probably one of my best races.”

Castree, competing in only her second Bank of Bermuda Foundation Triathlon as an individual, was overwhelmed with her convincing win in a watered down women’s field.

“There were a couple of people missing today who would’ve probably done quite well,” she acknowledged. “But it’s who’s who on the day and somehow I held it off on the run which is always my biggest obstacle.

“I’m a swimmer by trade and love my bike but my weak part is the run, I always know I’m going to get chased down by the runners.”

Castree’s performance surpassed her expectations.

“I was hoping for a top-three finish,” she said. “But to come first is amazing, I’m overwhelmed.”

Mark Wilcox (1:06.02) finished an impressive fifth overall to claim men’s masters honours while Jamie Donnelly (1:21.45) was the top women’s master.

Men’s and women’s senior masters honours went to Steven Petty (1:18.21) and Jeana Jones (1:31.30) respectively.