THEY'VE been two dominant triathletes for their age in the Central West but now Jenn Arnold and Stephen Jackson are ready to test themselves against the world's best.
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Bathurst Wallabies members Arnold and Jackson are jetting off to Lausanne, Switzerland for the upcoming International Triathlon Union (ITU) Age Group Triathlon World Championships.
The pair are taking on the 40-44 years women's and 60-64 years men's standard distance events respectively, and have been training tirelessly in the lead up to the race on September 1.
The build up has been a long one but the excitement factor will undoubtedly kick up a gear when Arnold and Jackson fly out this Friday.
"It's something that I never ever entertained, having the chance to represent Australia," Arnold said.
"It's been such a thrill. I'm excited to see what I can do. It's still a new sport for me. I only started in October last year."
"We could do with a bit more sleep but we're about to hit taper mode heading into the last 10 days before the event," Jackson said.
Arnold and Jackson each have goals they would love to tick off at the conclusion of the 1,500m swim, 40km ride and 10km run.
"For me, I'm just chasing a PB across the different legs," Arnold said.
"To get a personal best across either the swim , bike or run is my aim. My swim is looking the most likely."
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"Racing internationally is a big thing. I just want to go over there and do the uniform proud. There's going to be some amazing triathletes out there," Jackson said.
The picturesque Lausanne provides an amazing backdrop for competitors.
The swim leg will take place in Lake Geneva before a technical, hilly bike leg heads in both directions of the shoreline.
The flat run along the lake's edge might provide a level of respite in the dash to the finish.
"I did the cycling world champs two years ago but I'm relatively new to triathlon. When we race locally, or in Sydney or at qualifiers, we tend to do well but this will be a big step up," Jackson said.
"I'm definitely nervous," Arnold added.
"I'd never ridden a road bike until the day before my first triathlon out at Cowra. My second triathlon was here in Bathurst and I was the first female home.
"It all happened quite quickly where I realised 'Hang on, I can do this'. I've got butterflies. This will be huge."
Bathurst's Mark Windsor, an Australian champion for his age, had also qualified for the World Championships alongside Arnold and Jackson but due to an injury sustained in a bike accident he won't be able to compete.