McWilliam set for comeback at European Cup in Strathclyde

FORMER world junior triathlon champion Kirsty McWilliam has confirmed she will return to competitive action at the British Triathlon Super Series event at Strathclyde Country Park in May.

CARRYING THE TORCH: Teenager Kirsty McWilliam carried the Olympic torch after winning the 2008 World Junior Championships and is set to return to action after missing 2009 with an injury (Getty Images)

The 19-year old enjoyed a breakthrough season in 2008, lifting the world junior title in Vancouver before silver at the European Junior Championships in Lisbon.

Having missed the majority of last season with a hamstring tear, the Scot is back to full fitness and chomping at the bit to compete on the senior tour.

And McWilliam insisted the lure of returning to action on home soil at the official venue of the 2014 Commonwealth Games, was too strong.

"I'm really looking forward to competing at Strathclyde Country Park," said McWilliam, who carried the Beijing Olympic torch in London after capturing her world junior title.

"The course looks fantastic and making my comeback on home soil makes it all the more special.

"I spent 2009 on the sidelines because of my injury so I cannot wait to get back into action again this season. Roll on 2010."

As well as a leg in the British Triathlon Super Series, the competition will be an ITU Triathlon European Cup event - the first of its kind to be held in Scotland.

And with world junior duathlon champion Sophie Coleman and last year's Super Series runner-up Aaron Harris also confirmed to take part, British Triathlon chief executive Zara Hyde-Peters insists the event, taking place on May 23, will serve as a showpiece of future stars.

"We are very heartened that many of our rising talent have this far expressed their intention of competing at the Strathclyde Country Park race," said Hyde-Peters.

"The decision to host the ITU Triathlon European Cup at this year's event was specifically to serve as an opportunity for our rising stars to step onto the international stage.

"With Strathclyde County Park being the Commonwealth Games venue it offers all the competitors a fantastic opportunity to experience one of the best courses the UK has to offer."