Championships since Steven Doyling and Lynn Kynoch will not be taking part this year.

And Neil de ste Croix -- the favourite in the men's division -- may not compete unless he fully recovers from an illness.

That leaves the men's field wide open with Dyrone Minors, Mark Glusing and Jim Butterfield as early favourites.

Possible competitors include Greg Hopkins, Steve Donnelly and Adam Smith, who has returned from Hong Kong but recently hurt his back.

Shona Palmer is expected to lead the women's field, although she could face stiff opposition from high-flying Melanie Claude, winner of the National Duathlon championships.

The event -- a 1,500 metre swim, 40K bike and 10K run -- begins at 9 a.m. at the USNAS in St. David's.

"It's not looking good at the moment. I was hoping to be better by now, but I just can't seem to shake it off,'' said a frustrated de ste Croix yesterday, referring to his throat illness. He finished second last year despite an ankle injury. "Right now it's just wait-and-see, if I feel good enough to race I will.'' Also on tap is the junior triathlon championships plus a just-for-fun event.