Flora Duffy’s achievements have given triathlon a much higher profile in Bermuda, with islanders having a chance to learn more about the fast-growing sport when the Annual Neill/Blake Triathlon camp starts next month.

Now in its seventh year, the camp is designed for triathletes of all abilities and typically attracts more than 40 participants from experienced age-group triathletes to novices of various fitness levels and ages.

“Some of the beginners are very nervous at the first session designed to teach them the basics about the sport”, Dave Morrison, the camp organiser, said.

“But after the first session they realise that the camp is designed to let them go and learn at their own pace. Anyone who has a bike in working order and can jog a mile and swim 50 metres can manage this camp.”

Coaches Jasper Blake and Mike Neill are both former professionals from Victoria, British Columbia, where they have well-established coaching companies, B78 and Human Powered Racing respectively.

“The camp schedule is designed to fit around participants busy work and family schedules,” Morrison added.

The camp, which runs from February 24 to March 4, starts with a “meet and greet” cocktail party on the Friday evening with talks on nutrition and other topics. Beginners then get an “intro to triathlon session” for two hours on the Saturday morning while experienced triathletes start with a longer bike ride.

On the Saturday afternoon there will be a run at Horseshoe Beach. There will be a beginners bike session on the Sunday morning at Clearwater Beach for the experienced group. That afternoon there will be an ocean swim for the experienced group but beginners can also attend.”

The camp will have various morning, lunchtime and evening advanced and beginner sessions. It culminates in a short super sprint triathlon on the Saturday morning and a wrap-up casual dinner that evening.

“The great thing about this camp is that it is very inclusive with more experienced triathletes helping and supporting and encouraging beginners in group sessions whilst still being able to get in their session,” Morrison said. For more details visit www.bta.bm.