With a full calendar of event this weekend, we thought we would split our traditional weekend preview into two. Today, we look ahead to the major overseas races. Come back tomorrow for all of the domestic action.

International Racing

ITU racing 2010 is back into action this weekend. The Mooloolaba ITU World Cup kicks off the 2010 season, with a strong field for what is effectively the 'second tier' of ITU racing now, following the introduction of the premier World Championship Series last year. That said, the race doubles as the Australian Championship and combined with the number of athletes training down under during the winter, it's not a surprise really to see a good field line up. Javier Gomez (ESP) is a late withdrawal from the event, so we'll put out money on Brad Kahlefeldt (AUS)and Kirsten Sweetland (CAN) to take top spots on the podium.

Stuart Hayes is the lone GB male starter, while the ladies feature Liz Blatchford, Jodie Stimpson, Vicky Holland, Vanessa Raw and Jacqui Slack.

Plenty of long distance action from WTC events too. From a Brit perspective, Ironman Australia on Sunday is one to keep an eye on, where Scotland's Scott Neyedli will be hoping to go one better than his second place at Ironman Western Australia at the end of last season. It's not been an easy few months, following a couple of crashes and minor injuries, but things have been going well for Scott in recent weeks, including hard work paying off on the sponsorship front with bikes, kit and wheel support. Scott is always one of the most helpful and approachable athletes on the pro circuit, and we hope that his winter spent in 'Oz' spent preparing specifically for this event pays off.

The man that beat Scott in Busselton was Patrick Vernay (NCL), and Patrick is back again having won Ironman Australia for the past three seasons. Following her crash in January, Chrissie Wellington won't be back to try and take a third title - her next iron-distance event will be Challenge Roth in July.

Chrissie's absence leaves the race a lot more open, and Rebekah Keat - second fastest iron-distance time ever - would logically be expected to take the title she last won in 2007. That said, she was well off the pace in Abu Dhabi (ninth). One athlete that could gain a lot more press following this race is Carrie Lester (AUS). Carrie took an almost unnoticed fifth in Abu Dhabi, finished second at Ironman 70.3 Geelong in February and also won the Australian Long Course Champs this year. Don't be surprised if this 'new' name tops the podium...

At half the distance, the most competitive race of the weekend may be Saturday's Ironman 70.3 California. Slowtwitch have put together a pretty comprehensive run down on the main contenders, so rather than repeat a similar analysis, check out their great work HERE. The event website isn't the most user friendly in terms of start list data, however we do know that Jonathan Hotchkiss will be returning to racing following his enforced layoff last year, so good luck to him on a successful return to racing. We will be bringing you a full update from Jonathan in the next couple of weeks on plans for 2010.

It's also a big weekend in duathlon, as the first of the international Powerman races takes place this weekend: Powerman Alabama (www.team-magic.com). The 'king' of duathlon Joerie Vansteelant is signed up to race, which in the normal course of events would make it a battle for silver for everyone else! The race also serves as the US Elite Duathlon National Champs.