The best triathletes on the planet to compete at Sunday’s Ironman 70.3 Asia Pacific Championship Western Sydney

Defending champs returning for 2017 Ironman 70.3 Asia Pacific Championship Western Sydney

Penrith’s Sydney International Regatta Centre will host Sunday’s Ironman 70.3 Asia Pacific Championship Western Sydney

Some of the best local and international triathletes in the world are set to take themselves to the absolute limit when the Ironman 70.3 Asia-Pacific Championship descends upon western Sydney this weekend.

Taking place on Sunday at Penrith’s Sydney International Regatta Centre, the event will see a packed field of the fittest men and women on the planet compete for a share of a $75,000 US prize pool and a spot at the 2018 World Championship in South Africa.

Competitors will begin the 113km course with a swim in the Penrith Lakes before cycling past some breathtaking views of the Blue Mountains.

The flat course concludes with a run along the Great River Walk before returning return to the regatta centre.

Dan Wilson was the men’s winner at last year’s event

Among the leading contenders for this year’s title are 2016 champions Dan Wilson and Annabel Luxford, with both hoping to defend their victories from last year.

The race will be especially significant for Wilson as it marks his final event before moving on from the sport at the end of the year.

“A win here would mean a lot,” Wilson said.

“I’m finishing up at the end of this year ... so to get a win and a regional title in my final race would be really special.”

For more information on where to watch the event, go to ap.ironman.com