One of the strongest triathlon fields ever assembled will race the Salford BG Triathlon World Cup this Sunday, July 30. Salford Quays will playhostto 200 of the world's best elite triathletes and up to 1000 age group, novice and celebrity triathletes in the fourth Salford Triathlon World Cup.

The elite field includes the current World, Commonwealth and British Champions as well as the Olympic bronze medallist. Britain's Liz Blatchford will be aiming to defend her title from last year and Tim Don will lead the challenge by British men in front of thousands of supporters.

Blatchford, who was born in nearby Wilmslow, will face a strong New Zealand women's team that includes last year's runner up. She said: "Salford is a great race to win so close to my home town and I would love to make a tradition of doing well there. And the finish is one of the best, running over the Lowry bridge to the line and thousands of people."

The challenging course around Salford Quays will see athletes complete a gruelling 1500m open water swim, 40km bike ride and 10km run. The bike course will be one of the fastest and most technically challenging ever used in a world cup event.

Elite triathletes will compete for a total prize pot of over $100,000 and Britain's best will be aiming to qualify for the World Championships in Lausanne in September. Organisers also hope to impress the International Triathlon Union ahead of its crucial decision on September 4 about who will host the 2010 BG World Championships.

British Triathlon Chairman, Jasmine Flatters commented: "The Salford ITU World Cup has grown over the past few years to become one of the premier events on the World Cup circuit. This is due entirely to the hard work and dedication of the Local Organising Committee and associated partners whose passion for the sport is reflected in the quality of the event.

"A BG Triathlon World Championships in the UK would be assured of excellent broadcast and media coverage to present to the world images and stories from this exciting, vibrant and colourful sport. The timing of the event in 2010 fits well as a forerunner to the London Olympic Games in 2012."

Peter Mearns, Director of Marketing at the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA), said: "The Northwest has a leading reputation for hosting major sporting events and the ITU World Cup taking place in Salford once again is further evidence of the world class events the region is capable of attracting. This international event attracts a global television audience of millions, placing Salford and the Northwest firmly on the world stage, as well as bringing in an increasing number of spectators every year."

Councillor Merry, Leader of Salford City Council added: "As the fourth consecutive World Cup event to be hosted in Salford, we're delighted to welcome triathletes, organisers, volunteers and spectators to Salford for an outstanding weekend of world class sport. These are exciting times for a city undergoing dramatic change and regeneration, as we prepare to bid for the BG Triathlon World Championships and take centre stage in 2010."

Hundreds of amateur triathletes will also compete in the sprint and relay events consisting of a 750m swim, 20km bike ride and 5km run. The field includes celebrities from the worlds of entertainment, politics and sport who will all compete against the stunning backdrop ofThe Quays including The Lowry and theImperial War Museum North.