Sunday's Bridport Triathlon is also the first race in the 2013-14 Tasmanian series and is renowned for both the strength of the field and large holiday crowd that it attracts.

This year's event, which features a 1500-metre swim, 40-kilometre  bike ride and 10-kilometre run, promises to be no exception with a crack field of quality triathletes competing. 

Pro triathlete and title holder for the past three years James Hodge is the race favourite but will be challenged by a strong group of budding stars including young guns Jacob Birtwhistle, Dylan Evans and Jonathan Butler while the fast improving Dylan Hill and ironman star Hayden Armstrong will be pushing them hard all the way. 

 In the women's field, LTC champion Melissa Clark will be strongly pushed by Hannah Geelan, who is making a return to the sport after a stint in professional cycling, and Kate Warren from the North West Coast.

The day's program also includes a free trystars race for 7-12 year olds, featuring a 50m swim and 750m run, plus a sprint triathlon of a 750m swim, 20km ride and 5km run.

 TRIATHLON FAST FACTS

WHAT: Crowe Horwath Bridport Triathlon.

WHERE: Village green, Bridport.

WHEN: From 8am, Sunday.

ENTRY: Only available online from www.launcestontriclub.com before noon on Saturday.