International

The big international event of the weekend is the ITU World Duathlon Championships from Lowe's Motor Speedway, North Carolina, USA. All of the racing - elite, U23, junior, age group and paratriathlon - takes place tomorrow (Saturday). Our own duathlon expert, Tom Lowe (no relation to the venue...) has taken a look at the GB elite squad who will be lining up to race on our sister site, duathlon247.com HERE. We're hoping that the 'Kat' will get the cream...

Across the Channel, the last round of the highly competitive French Grand Prix Series takes place at La Baule, where Alistair Brownlee will be looking to end his season on yet another high note. He will be joined by, amongst others, brother Jonny, Tim Don, Will Clarke and Hollie Avil. Could it be yet another epic battle with a certain J Gomez?!

There will also be plenty of Brits racing at the Mar Menor ETU Triathlon European Cup in Spain. Ritchie Nicholls, Lawrence Fanous, Philip Wolfe and Vanessa Raw are on the start sheet, along with Bryan Keane and Sean Renfer from Ireland. On the Saturday is the European Youth Olympic Games Qualifier at the same venue, with plenty of young Brits lining up for that one.

The WTC M-Dot series hits Ironman 70.3 Augusta, where we notice that Richard Allen is on the start list.

Domestic Racing

Saturday

Following the Rough Track last week, the off-road scene continues with another major event - the X Terrain Festival in Camberley, from www.allabouttriathions.co.uk. Plenty of quality athletes lining up there for the triathlon, duathlon, aquathlon and run offerings.

Dorney Lake this week offers the Tri Challenge Team Triathlon, which follows a similar format to the National Club Relays, but with three, rather than four members per team. It was certainly a fun event in 2008.

Also on Saturday, the Great East Swim brings to a close the four event Great Swim Series for 2009.

Sunday

Biggest race of the day may well be the first Hever Castle Triathlon, which offers long ('The Henry VIII'), and short ('The Anne Boleyn') options.

The first BustinSkin Middle Distance Triathlon is being held in Portland, while other triathlon offerings include Mid Argyll, Uckfield, Leeds, Brigg Sprint, Brinscall, South Shropshire Sprint and the Roade Triathlon.

Aquathletes are provided - for both adults and kids - at the latest in the Woking Aquathlon Series and Norwich Aquathlon from Tri Anglia.