Glenbrook's Andrea Forrest and Warrimoo's Sam Appleton will fly to Quebec, Canada later this week to represent Australia at the 2014 Ironman 70.3 World Championships.
The September 7 event with a total prize pool of $250,000 will see the local duo take on the world's top 35 professional triathletes over 113km, consisting of a 1.9km swim in Tremblant Lake, a 90km bike ride in mountainous terrain and a 21.1km run.
Both believe they are in with a chance of a podium finish.
Forrest, 29, was women's age group champion in New Zealand in Olympic-distance triathlon in 2012 and despite being relatively new to the longer distance Ironman triathlon 70.3 she has trained to peak in Canada.
"This is a huge opportunity for me, particularly at this point in my professional career," Forrest said.
"It will be my first time up against the top girls but I'd be happy with a top 10 finish - that's my goal.
"Training has been going well and the recent opening of Atmosphere Health and Fitness Club in Penrith has been a huge advantage, even enabling me to train [virtually] on the Tremblant triathlon course using video footage on the 'Computrainer' exercise bike.
"I come from a running background so running is my strength, but I'm equal to the other girls in the swim legs and I've been working hard on my cycling, which is where you can make up the most ground."
Appleton, 24, who won his maiden Ironman triathlon event in Canberra last year, said he's primed for the opportunity to take on the world's best in Quebec.
"I've managed to complete a really good training block heading into this race," he said.
"This will really set a benchmark for the level of performance required to compete with the top."
Although both are Panthers Triathlon Club (PTC) members and professional athletes, they fit their training around work and study.
Forrest is a physiotherapist and an ambassador for the Luke Priddis Foundation, while Appleton is studying occupational therapy at the University of Western Sydney.
"We have athletes of all abilities at PTC and we're extremely proud of Andrea and Sam who are great ambassadors for our club and community," PTC president Chris Joseph said.
"Before embarking on the pro ranks they were our club champions in 2012-13 and they've gone from strength to strength."
Both athletes would benefit significantly from local sponsorship.
For more information contact Rodney Forrest via rodney_forrest@hotmail.com.