For a very busy week on the WTC circuit, there are remarkably few pro’s hailing from the British Isle’s in action this weekend. There are some fantastic races though in action, the results of which will have an impact on the WTC rankings table.

This week will also see the very first middle distance race on UK shores – The Marshman – which contains a very decent age-group field and some familiar names. I can’t wait!

Kicking off with Ironman St George….. there are no British Isle professionals racing! This will be the last time St George hosts an Ironman – but fear not – it will return as a 70.3. Keep an eye out for Maik Twelsiek and Meredith Kessler (the hot favourite) for wins here.

On the same day, Ironman Brusselton 70.3…. also has no pro’s for us! Well, that’s a good start to the weekend round-up.

Sunday is a cracker… Ironman Australia, one of the biggest races on the circuit is going ahead and features Paul Ambrose – who could be in contention at the top end of the field. In his last outing at Ironman California 70.3, he finished 5th, and could be in good form for this race.

Ironman St Croix 70.3 is one of the more glamourous races on the circuit and has the added bonus that it offers Kona slots to age groupers. Both the defending champion, Cat Morrison and Tamsin Lewis have withdrawn with their injuries, so the ladies race will have a new winner this year. Oh, and Lance Armstrong is racing so there will be plenty of eyes on here.

Over in Portugal, Natalie Barnard will be racing at the Lisboa International Triathlon – a middle distance event.

Wildflower features defending champion, Leanda Cave, who after all but qualifying for Kona is now picking and choosing her races. This seems wise after some indifferent results earlier this year.

Marshman is the first UK middle distance race of the year. Here we go!! Seb Navarro is a decent middle distance age-grouper and came 8th overall last year. I pick him. The plucky triathlete who has suffered serious injuries in the past has good results at big races and might be able to step it up this year.

The ladies race looks a cracker and my pick is between Emma Rand (a previous winner here and 3rd at Outlaw 2010) and Melissa Brand (6th at the Volcano International). I’m going to pick Brand. She might have tired legs after a recent heavy training camp but she is looking to step it up this year and race as pro.