minus both the men's and ladies' defending champions.

Student Stevie Doyling who set a blistering pace on his way to a record-breaking victory (1:21.55) last June is back on the Island but has told organisers he hasn't been training and won't compete.

And Julia Hawley, winner in 1991 as well as last year, has also confirmed her absence as she attempts to recover from a virus that forced her to pull out midway through last week's May 24 Marathon Derby.

Other would-be contenders, top triathletes Greg Hopkins and Shona Palmer have indicated they will take part in the team event rather than challenge for individual honours.

Hopkins is expected to team up with Marathon Derby champion Kavin Smith in a pairing which should prove unbeatable.

The race starts from Clearwater Beach on the USNAS Base at 9.00 a.m. on a different course to that used last year but over the same distances -- 5K run followed by a 30K cycle and finishing with another 5K run.

Doyling's absence should open the door for former winner Neil De Ste. Croix who demonstrated his fitness with a seventh place finish in last week's Derby.

The Channel Islander missed his opportunity last year following a freak accident in which a stationary wind trainer exploded, gashing his ankle just days before the event. He did manage to pair up with James Cooper to win the team competition, but will be seeking to regain the individual crown this weekend and would appear a hot favourite.

Veteran Jeremy Ball, second last year, hasn't been competitive recently while Glynn Sexton who finished third is about to leave the Island.

Top runner Brett Forgesson, who might have been a contender, is also unlikely to compete as, like Hawley, he has been suffering an illness since last week's race.

Another veteran, Jim Butterfield, fourth a year ago, could prove to be De Ste.

Croix's closest rival although Mark Glusing, who recently competed in and finished the gruelling Powerman Duathlon in Switzerland could also be a factor.

With Hawley out and Palmer suffering from a knee injury, the women's race might be a closer affair -- Melanie Claude, Jane Christie, Karen Meyer and Jeanna Jones among top challengers.

For the first time this year, the senior event will be followed by a junior duathlon at 11.00 a.m. in which the Island's youngsters can warm up for the following Saturday's popular Iron Kids triathlon.

Divided into four categories, the junior race will see those aged 10 and under tackle a half-mile/three mile/half mile course and those between 11 and 15 compete over a one mile/six mile/one mile route.

Entries for all of the duathlon events need to be returned to Sportseller or New Winner's Edge by this Friday. Meanwhile entry forms for the following week's Iron Kids are now available at the same outlets.

SHONA PALMER -- Will compete in team event only.