WEYMOUTH’S Ian Cardy is in Scotland’s capital city this weekend to defend his world age group duathlon title.

Almost a year after winning the 2009 event in North Carolina, USA in his debut season, Cardy will be part of a 400-strong Team GB squad keen to put on a strong showing as Great Britain hosts the world championships for the first time.

The event will be based around Edinburgh’s Holyrood Park and the legendary Arthur’s Seat with a tough hilly and technical course.

Fresh from setting a course record in winning the TBAS Castle Combe Duathlon, Cardy feels prepared for the challenge that the course is going to throw at him.

He said: “We’ve known for the past year that the course would be based around Holyrood Park but it has only been made public in the past few weeks just how tough the course will be.

“In the 11 laps of the park we’ll make for the 10k run, 40k cycle and 5k run race, we’ll be ascending over 3,000ft as we rise and fall around Arthur’s Seat.

“In addition, it is a technical course and the probability is for inclement weather so bike handling will be as much a factor as all-out fitness.

“Racing the Etape du Tour in July where I was one of the top ascenders has helped, as has consistent time trialling throughout the season with CC Weymouth.

“I am also aided and abetted by my sponsors, Mud Sweat ’n’ Gears, who are very kindly supplying me with a new Giant Advanced bike especially for the event, which will be ideally suited to the demands of the route.

“And with Dorset Cereals assisting me in providing ideal wholesome nutrition throughout my training, I’m as prepared as I can be. This will be by far the toughest defence of a title that I can imagine.

“The recent win at Castle Combe was a fillip to my confidence as my running hasn’t been as swift as I would otherwise have liked.

“However, Great Britain lead the world at this level of the event and the old adage that you need to beat your team-mate first, then worry about the opposition, will never be more true.

“With top guys like Lee Piercy and James Gilfilian, both from Bourne-mouth, in the field, it should be a good outing for Dorset.

“I need to be circumspect for Edinburgh – I've got faith in my own abilities and will be racing the socks off the competition as best I can.”

The GB Age Group team will also feature local duathletes Louise Bardsley – recently crowned British champion in her age group in triathlon – and Fran Bungay.