While the field for the round hosted by the King Cain Bathurst Triathlon Club will not be finalised until the morning of race day, club president James Kelly is predicting hot competition.

He believes if Nick North, who pushed Windsor in his comeback from serious injury in December, is amongst the competitors, he will be a chance of success.

“Mark Windsor is currently leading the interclub competition after two rounds, so will be looking to continue, but you never know who else is likely to show,” Kelly said.

“Nick North in particular may be back competing and given the way he has been running at parkrun, if he is there, he will be hard to beat.

“There will be some excellent athletes coming down, Matt Webster from Mudgee and a young guy from Orange Jack Bilton will be in the men’s, then in the women’s you’ve got the likes of Jess Richards from Orange who competed professionally in Ironman last year.”

While the battle for honours in the open divisions will be stiff, the series which involves triathletes from Bathurst, Cowra, Orange, Dubbo and Mudgee is also about participation.

“Yes, you will see some really good athletes, but it’s for everyone really,” Kelly said.

“It’s about challenging yourself and having a healthy lifestyle. Last year was huge with 100 people competing in the seniors race.

“It’s a massive day for us, it’s the biggest race as far as numbers go.”

While the Bathurst club races so far this season have used the traditional, swim, run, cycle format, for Australia Day a grand prix format will be used.

The main race will see competitors tackle a 2.5 kilometre run, 200 metre swim, 16km cycle leg, another 200m swim then finish with a 2.5km run.

There will also be a shorter format race which finishes after the cycle.

“This race is a bit different, with the grand prix format being held to split the field up before entering the pool,” Kelly said.

“For the main race it is something a little different for the local people, but it's a great format and makes for an interesting race.

“It is still something that all people can do. To the Bathurst people, get down and have a go and show the rest of the Central West that the club is strong and growing. Just get down there and have a go – it’s a great way to start Australia Day.”

The racing starts with the younger Joeys and Boomers age groups from 8am, competitors are asked to be ready for a 7.45am briefing.

To allow senior competitors from across the region a chance to arrive, the main races start at 9.30am with a 9.15am briefing.

The Bathurst round will mark the midway point of the Central West series, with Mudgee (February 12) and Cowra (March 12) to host the concluding races.