Triathlon weekend

There have been a lot of very fit looking people mixing with many slightly larger cruise ship tourists walking around Hamilton these last few days. The antithesis is breathtaking, or out of breath depending on which one they were.

54 men and 47 women will take part in Saturday’s World Triathlon Series, the second in the season’s calendar. Last year was the first time Bermuda had been a host for the ITU’s World Series, and homecoming queen Flora Duffy swept to victory to much delight.

Sadly Flora has pulled out with injury as she focuses on getting back to full fitness and is focused on next year’s Olympics. Flora, who is a great role model for young Bermuda athletes, is here and heavily involved in publicizing the event.

Real pity about Duffy, but the world’s best triathletes are here to race including Brit’s Jonathan Brownlee, Jessica Learmonth, Vicky Holland and Georgia Taylor-Brown. The USA’s Katie Zaferes is the women’s favorite and in the men Spain’s Mario Mola will take some beating.

The race starts from the Hamilton Harbour’s water edge as the competitors dive into cold waters for a 1,500m swim. Then like Daniel Craig they appear out of the water to climb on a racing bike and cycle a 40km bike race. This takes the athletes around town, including the ridiculously windy and steep Corkscrew Hill (last photo), before the 10km run is raced along the harbour. The winners will cross the line on Front Street in around 2 hours.

Should be a fun day.