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Veteran triathlete Kent Richardson is hoping to go one better than his second placed finish from last year in the Sprint Distance National Championships on Sunday.

But, even with reigning champ Kris Hedges unlikely to defend his title, Richardson admits it is going to be much tougher this time.

"I'm hoping to throw something down this year, but the competition is tough. I think it's going to be one of our better national sprint championships."

The main contenders will be the South African Naude twins Riaan and Evan, duathlon champion Andrew Davis and potentially cyclist Garth Thomson.

"The sprint distance brings everybody out. It's even possible that Chris and Ashley Estwanik (May 24 winners) might take part.

"Garth Thomson is riding really strong at the moment, so he could cause a surprise. The Naudes are the ones to beat.

"I'm still in pretty good shape from the World Championships so I hope to do well, but it's going to be tough."

The 750m swim, 20k bike and 5k run starts at Clearwater Beach at 9am, with the junior race starting at 8:30am. There is also a team challenge.[[In-content Ad]]

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