Launceston Triathlon Club president Paul Ranson, Jonathan Butler, of Launceston, and Paul Turner, of Bike Central. Picture: GEOFF ROBSON
REIGNING champion James Hodge is again expected to be hard to beat in the 2013 Bridport Triathlon being held at the Village Green tomorrow.
The annual event is expected to attract about 140 competitors with former triathlete and international cyclist Richie Porte, international triathlete Joe Gambles and Olympic rower turned triathlete Todd Skipworth expected to take part.
Hodge has been in good form, finishing sixth at the recent 70.3 Ironman race in Canberra.
He will be challenged by a strong group of talented and experienced triathletes including Hayden Armstrong, Paul McKenzie, Ben Mather, Mark Matthews and Marc Hardy.
In the women's section the main contenders include Melissa Clark, Kate Pedley and Amy Hinds.
The first race starts at 7.15am with a children's aquathon followed by the Olympic-distance event at 7.30am and the sprint race at 8am.
The main race is held over the Olympic distance of a 1500-metre swim, 40-kilometre bike ride and a 10-kilometre run.
The supporting sprint race is a 750m swim, 20km bike and a 5km run.
In recent years this race has been dominated by many up-and-coming juniors and this year is likely to be the same with Jacob Birthwhistle, Jonathan Butler, Fraser Lyon, Harrison Musgrave and Andrew Watson expected to be in the mix while the women's race is likely to be fought out by Millie Chapman, Natalea Smith and Emma Smith.
Both races are open to team and individual entries.
Entry is available online until noon today at www.launcestontriclub.com.au while entries on the day will be accepted between 6am and 7am.
THE DETAILS
WHAT: Bike Central Bridport Triathlon.
WHEN: Tomorrow, from 7.15am.
WHERE: Bridport Village Green.
WHO: About 140 competitors.