Worlds 2009 - what a boost to Australian Triathlon

The World Championships return to Australia next year, the first time since 2000. With a rich history in triathlon and as a popular summer sport, this season is going to be one of the toughest yet as athletes strive to reach their potential and claim their position on the team.

For those who actually qualify there will also be the added challenge of a race held at the start of our season, before it in fact. While the Northern Hemisphere will be turning up on our doorstep straight off the back of their race season and regional championships, we are going to be coming out of a winter. The good news is it will be on the Gold Coast.

Personally the return of the World Championships to our shores is great for our sport. Australia has lost it's allure to pro athletes from around the world and we've not seen and new quality events or international competition for some time. Already TA has lifted the bar and provided everyone a full calendar of qualifying events in every major city - great news and equality for everyone.

Personally I am looking forward to this event and World Championships are the events where I have had the greatest coaching success. My last World Championships was at Queenstown, NZ, where I was the Australian U23 elite coach and the team won 1 Gold and 2 silver medals there. I look forward to helping as many athletes qualify and race for Australia as I can and everyone will need to start getting prepared for these World Championships early.

The schedule set out is really good and give everyone a fair go. For those who like to peak and hold form with back to back racing you can streamline your approach and crack a few good races together in a short time period. This will suit younger athletes as their recovery potential is good. Athletes on a tight timeline with work and family commitments may also use this to their advantage. For other athletes, you can spread the events out and pick those that suit your strengths. Older athletes will benefit from the ability to stagger and prepare for their events to allow sufficient recovery and practice coming up to peak a few times so they get taper just right.

The first race of the series is on November 30th in Adelaide so only 16 weeks away and time to make a start. Next installment will be things to add into your training to get ready for the seaso