With the biggest race on the Powerman series calendar taking place this weekend - the Powerman World Championships - we've put together a list of the favourites that will be racing in Zofingen; one of the toughest long distance duathlons in the world. With top quality fields in both the men's and women's races this year's event looks set to be one of the most exciting and competitive for several years. British interest will come from Michelle Parsons. A fifth place finisher in 2005 and 2006, Michelle knows the course better than anyone. In the form of her life following two victories (age-group) at Ironman Lanzarote and Ironman Austria, we think Michelle has her best opportunity yet to make it onto the podium.

The Men

This year's field at Powerman Zofingen 2009 is the largest and strongest it's been for many years. Heading the line-up will be the current European Powerman Champion Joerie Vansteelant (BEL) and last year's winner Andy Sutz (SUI). Joerie will be making his debut in Zofingen and although a strong favourite, history has shown that seldom do first-timers win in Zofingen.

Other athletes that stand out as favourites to make the podium are:

• Richard Ussher (NZ) - Third place finisher Roth 2009
• Dominque Duchene (FRA) - Bronze medalist Powerman Zofingen 2008
• Anthony Le Duey (FRA) - Winner of Powerman Belguim 2009
• Jason Spong (RSA) - Winner of Powerman Malaysia 2008
• Aksel Nielsen (DEN) - Silver medalist Powerman Zofingen 2007
• Loïc Hélin (BEL) - Bronze medalist Powerman Zofingen 2007
• Nico Huyberechts (BEL) - Bronze medalist Powerman Zofingen 2004
• Norbert Huber (GER) - Seventh Powerman Zofingen 2008
• Josh Beck (USA) - Bronze medalist Powerman Zofingen 2005
• Karl Prungraber (AUS) - Austrian National Champion

Another athlete to watch out for is Urs Dellsperger. Although the 46-year-old is unlikely to give the new young guns a run for their money he has an extremely impressive history at Powerman Zofingen - winning the race in 1995 and 1997, finishing second in 1996 and fourth in 2007.

The Women

The women's field of 50 athletes is one of the largest ever seen at Powerman Zofingen. The resounding favourite will once again be the five-time winner of Powerman Zofingen, Erika Csomor, from Hungary. Erika was an unlikely competitor this year as she suffered a set-back to her training following a knee injury she sustained in the run up to Challenge Roth. Thankfully though, after five phone calls made to Erika, the Powerman Zofingen President, Stefan Ruf, convinced her to make the trip to defend her title. It will be the tenth time Erika has raced in Zofingen.

Other athletes that stand out as favourites to make the podium are:

• Victoria Beck (NZ) - Winner of several Powerman races
• Ulrike Schwalbe (GER) - ITU long distance duathlon World Champion 2004 and winner of several Powerman races
• Silvie Quittet (FRA) - Winner of Duathlon Val d Aran 2009
• Michelle Parsons (ENG) - Fifth in Powerman Zofingen in 2006 and 2005 and winner of several Powerman races
• Camilla Lindholm (SWE) - Silver medalist European Powerman Championships 2009
• Elina Ussher (NZ) - Adventure racer and wife of Richard Ussher
• Maja Jacober (SUI) - Bronze medalist Powerman Zofingen 2006 and 2008

We will bring you results and race reports after the race on Sunday. For more information go to www.powerman.org