Individual Sprint Triathlon at Clearwater Beach, with defending champion Tyler Butterfield not among the list of competitors.

Butterfield, although back out competing on the cycling circuit, is still struggling to regain full fitness after a debilitating bout of mononucleosis kept him out for much of last season.

However, even if Butterfield were involved and fully fit, Herring would rank a definite threat over the 750 metre swim/20 kilometre bike/five kilometre run course.

Herring held a near one minute advantage over his rival a year ago, but saw his challenge evaporate when he took a wrong turn during the cycling portion.

In the absence of Butterfield, Andrew Doble stands out as the most likely threat to Herring, the reigning National Sprint champion, while there is also a batch of youngsters hoping to notch good placings.

These include Nick Taylor, Matthew Herring and Adam Petty, all of whom have come through the junior ranks and seek their own breakthrough opportunity in the seniors.

Due to take part in their first senior event are 13-year-olds Geoffrey Smith and Tyler Abbott, both loaded with potential.

Laurie Orchard dominated the women's field a year ago, winning in one hour, nine minutes and 25 seconds, followed by Karen Hackenberg. However, not much has been seen of Orchard of late and mystery shrouds her fitness level.

And if Orchard proves not up to par, look for Karen Smith to take full opportunity to seize the mantle.

Like the male division, there are several young females competing who could spring a surprise or two, with the likes of Ashley Robinson Roberts, Melissa DeSilva, Ashley Kirkpatrick and Robyn Dickinson.

A new feature on Saturday is the Sprint Duathlon -- for those not yet ready to test the waters -- which will take place concurrent to the triathlon and involve a three kilometre run, 20 kilometre cycle and five kilometre run to the finish.

Meanwhile, Sunday sees the Ironkids Triathlon and Adult Team Triathlon likewise taking place at the east end. The youngsters get underway at 9.00 a.m., while the adults take to the course at 11.00 a.m.

More than 70 children are expected to participate in the races, with good performances expected from young triathletes such as Laura Ruse, Marc Smith, Tim Fox, Ricky Souza, Flora Duffy, Chloe Kempe and Coyatito Smith.

The Ironkids Triathlon offers team competition as well as individual in three age groups. Ages 7-10 will swim 100 metres, cycle five kilometres and run one kilometre; ages 11-14 will swim 200 metres, cycle 10 kilometres and run two kilometres; age 11-14 (advanced) will swim 300 metres, cycle 15 kilometres and run three kilometres.

The adult Team Triathlon should feature many of the Island's top swimmers, cyclists and runners over the Olympic distance course (1.5 kilometre swim/40 kilometre bike/10 kilometre run).

Jonathon Herring: looking to go one better than last year.