Multisport: Kiwis up against world's best

New Zealand's leading duathletes face a stern test from the strong European contingent and a powerful host nation in the International Triathlon Union world championships in Australia this weekend.

A strong New Zealand team have ventured across the Tasman for the championships in Newcastle, 170km north of Sydney.

The age group championships take place today with the six elite races tomorrow.

European athletes have dominated the elite titles for the past decade, mostly decided on their home soil.

But they will face a strong group of Australians keen to make the most of the home advantage in a championship that is rarely sighted in the Southern Hemisphere.

Their lineup includes top triathletes led by Greg Bennett, fourth in the Athens Olympics, Craig Alexander, who won the sport's richest prize at the Lifetime Fitness Triathlon, and World Cup winner Pip Taylor.

Christchurch doctor Mark Bailey leads the New Zealand team and has been a regular top-20 finisher in world championships over the past five years.

The best medal chance may come with talented North Harbour teenager Anna Hamilton, who won a bronze medal in the junior race last year and is back for the last time in the under-19 division.

New Zealand won four age-group medals last year but hope to improve on this.

- NZPA