National Duathlon Championships because of the 'flu, Julia Hawley will alone attempt to repeat her heroics of a year ago.

More than 100 athletes are expected to compete in the five-kilometre run, 30-kilometre cycle and second five-kilometre run at Clearwater Beach beginning at 8.00 a.m.

A comfortable winner of the women's division -- and 16th overall -- with a time of one hour and 41 minutes last year, Hawley could be pressed this time by Debbie Butterfield who followed her home with a time of 1:42.22 last year to place 17th overall.

Jane Christie, third in her division, could also challenge.

With de Ste Croix sidelined, the men's race should be competitive with Steve Sterritt, Brett Forgesson, Steve Doyling and Kevin Tucker expected to take part.

Last year top cyclist Sterritt finished second with a time of 1:27.17 behind de Ste Croix's 1:26.18. Forgesson was third in 1:27.24 followed by Doyling and Tucker. Road running ace Kavin Smith is also reported to be considering entering this year and would be a likely contender.

The junior individual and team races begin the day, followed an hour later by the adult individual and team races.

The 7-10 age group will consist of a one kilometre run, a 5K bike ride and 1K run while the 11-14 age group has a 2K run, 10K bike ride and 2K run. The adults are divided into three divisions: 18-40, 40 plus and 50 plus.

Entries forms can be collected from and returned to the Sportseller, Winners Edge and Wheels Ltd. today.

Neil de Ste Croix