The third running of the event in Hyde Park will, for the first time, feature a trip out to Buckingham Palace which will replicate the likely experience of London 2012 competitors.

Britain's top contenders, such as Helen Jenkins and the Brownlee brothers, Alistair and Jonathan, are expected to be among a field of the world's best for the elite women's and men's events on August 6 and 7 as triathletes seek a final chance to experience the chosen Olympic venue on what will be the potential Olympic course.

The thousands of amateurs who take part will also have the option of experiencing the thrill of crowd-lined streets.

"It's a chance of a lifetime", said Robert Puestow, representing Upsolut Sports UK, who organise and promote the event.

"Amateur triathletes, racing in the age-group events, can find out what the course across Hyde Park corner and out to the Palace is like and can be part of a fantastic dress rehearsal for London."

Entries for the Dextro Energy Triathlon London, presented by Tata Steel and part of the World Championships Series, opened at 9am this morning and already 50 per cent of the Olympic Distance places on the Buckingham Palace Route have sold.

Jonathan Brownlee took his first senior silver in London this year, but Alistair, the defending world champion, broke down in the final 100 metres after battling with the eventual winner, Javier Gomez of Spain.

Jenkins, winner of bronze in 2009 and 2010, looks set to lead the British women's effort against the rest of the world on the Saturday, with the elite men racing on the Sunday.

Upsolut UK have also announced that entries open for the 2011 event here

There are four options of entries for the age-group events: Sprint and Olympic Distances (Hyde Park Course); Sprint and Olympic Distances (Buckingham Palace Course).

Early bird options on entry fees are also available until December 31 here

"With the unique element of a race through the streets of London as well as the iconic setting of Hyde Park we are sure that entries for the race will fill very quickly this year," added Puestow.

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