Triathletes eye new London race

Jenkins won the world crown as Helen Tucker last June

World triathlon champion Helen Jenkins is looking forward to performing in front of a home crowd with a World Championship race in London next year.

One of seven legs in the series will take place on 15 and 16 August 2009 in Hyde Park - the 2012 Olympic venue - with a �100,000 prize fund.

"As athletes we can really show off our sport and raise its profile at such a prestigious location," said Jenkins.

"I am looking forward to competing as part of a strong British team."

Hyde Park has in the past held triathlons for leading British competitors but never an elite international event.

Events in the old ITU World Cup series took place in Salford Quays from 2003-07.

"As London builds towards 2012, the World Championship Series will showcase electrifying sporting action against an unrivalled central London backdrop," added London mayor Boris Johnson in a statement.

"Londoners and visitors alike will see some of the world's best athletes but they will also be able to have a go themselves at the same venue."

Jenkins won the world title under her maiden name, Tucker, in Vancouver in June and married her coach Marc Jenkins in October.