The Catlin Bermuda National Triathlon Championships will take place this coming Sunday May 11th, at the Clearwater Beach with an 8am Start.
This event more than likely will now get covered from all the media in Bermuda as Tyler Butterfield will be competing.
The Triathlon will be split into five categories, the Individual & Team Triathlon – Bermuda Olympic Distance National Championships 2014 that will see competitors over a distances of 1.5km Swim, 40km Bike and 10km Run Distance.
A 15+ Sprint Distance Race competing at a 750km Swim, 20km Bike and 5km Run distance, the Junior Triathlon -- ages 11-14 distances is a Swim at 0.2km, 10km Bike ride and a 2km Run, while the Junior Triathlon -- ages 7-10 will compete on a 0.1km Swim, 5km Bike and 1km Run distance.
The National Championship Defending Champions are Jonathan Herring and Karen Smith.
Who to watch out for on the Men’s side include Butterfield : Professional triathlete – Won the Abu Dhabi 2014 Long Distance Triathlon beating current Ironman World Champion Frederic Van Lierde. Will represent Bermuda at Commonwealth Games 2014. Now recognized as one of the world’s leading long distance triathletes. Overwhelming favorite to win by a distance on Sunday, unless he eases up!
Defending Champion Herring - Defending Champion and 2013 Bda Triathlete of the Year. Will represent Bermuda at Commonwealth Games 2014.
Tucker Murphy: Bermuda’s best finisher at Island Games Triathlon 2013 after Herring faltered on the run.
Kent Richardson: 4th in 2013. Already won his age group at XTerra event in Costa Rica 2014. Favorite for men’s 50+ age group. Still one of the best even at 50+ ; a local icon.
Mark Robinson: May not race after completing Ironman St.Croix last weekend where he was 11th in his age group. If he has recovered should challenge for a podium place.
Neil Lupsic: Another newcomer to triathlon but recognized as one of Bermuda’s leading cyclists Lupsic showed in the Good Friday Triathlon, where he finished 3rd, that he could spring a surprise on Sunday, especially if he uses the longer bike to his benefit.
Neil de ste Croix and Geoff Smith: Battling it out for Men’s 40-49 age group honors and a possible podium finish. De Ste Croix is a former multiple times national triathlon champion.
On the Women’s side, Defending Champion Karen Smith: Defending champion who got her season off to a flying start by winning her age group at Los Cabos Ironman Triathlon finishing 5th amateur overall. Will be hard to beat.
Laurie Orchard: 2nd to Karen Smith in 2013 and the 2013 BTA Triathlete of the Year after great performances in 2013 including a bronze medal in the Nat West Island Games.
Belinda Castree: 3rd in 2013. Strong swimmer and much improved cyclist and runner in 2014.
Martina Olcheski – Bell: 4th in 2013 but a relative newcomer to the sport last year so with more experience could contend for a podium spot.
Kristen Palmer: Newcomer who caught everyone’s attention by finishing 6th in the 25-29 age group in the New Orleans Ironman 70.3 Triathlon. A dark horse for a podium finish.
