Andrea Hewitt is a contender in today's Timaru Classic, part of the Calder Stewart cycling series.
The Olympic triathlete, who has won the opening two rounds of the women's triathlon world series, is hoping to use the event to work on her cycling skills.
She will race for the F.A.S.T Cycling Team, which includes former cross-country runner Deborah Paine.
``I guess I feel like I have been neglecting my cycling to improve in other areas of the triathlon,'' Hewitt said.
``But this is an opportunity in between World Series races to give my cycling a test.
``My last bike race was in Eyreton [near Christchurch] a while ago.
``I have no immediate plans to do more cycle races but I'll see how this one goes.
``I want to help the team to their best result as well and I have some friends racing.
``So I thought it would be fun to race with them; but it's always more fun when things go well, so that's what I'm hoping for.''
She joins series leader Kate McIlroy in the field, who converted to cycling from triathlon last year.
``It's pretty cool she's chosen to race in the series,'' McIIroy said.
``I raced against and with her for five years and she's a strong cyclist, so will really add to the racing.
``She's the best triathlete in the world right now, so to have her lining up in a cycling event is great.''
McIlroy won the previous round of the series near Dunedin to take the lead off Wanaka's Mikayla Harvey.
