They will be part of a field of 130, who have raced in qualifying races around the world to gain entry to the Mooloolaba event.

It's the first time the championships, which comprises a 1.9km ocean swim/90km bike ride and 21.1km run, has been staged in Australia.

The qualification-only event has attracted a world-class field, with several top professionals choosing to use the race as a lead-up to the Ironman World Championship in Hawaii.

Ric Jackal, John Flood, Craig Sloan, David Meade, Nathan Meade, Xavier Meade, Jac Tremayne and Fraser Walsh have spent months preparing for the race.

Walsh has had to contend with broken bones in his shoulder and only recently returned to the pool.

Two-time winner and last year’s runner-up Sebastian Kienle (Germany) will start favourite in the men's event, with Swiss athlete Daniela Ryf searching for a three-peat in the women’s.

Several of the Bendigo competitors rounded out their preparation by participating in race three of the duathlon series in Melbourne last weekend.

David Meade finished the 5km run/20km cycle/3km run course  first in his category and third overall in a time of 56 minutes.

Walsh posted a time of 57:42, Xavier Meade 59:25, Tom Barkmeyer 60:34, and Rebecca Beagley 68:18.

In the 2km run/10km cycle/1km run dash, Ruben De Silva-Smith (30.25) finished quickest ahead of Jack Meade (31.25).