Australian triathlete Ryan Bailie will be aiming to cap off a breakthrough ITU World Series in Chicago this weekend as the Olympic qualification picture is set to become clearer.
The 25-year-old is sixth in the standings - the best of the Aussies, male or female - heading into the final race of the season on Saturday (Sunday AEST).
Bailie's momentum was building nicely leading into the test event in Rio last month when the world's best had their first chance to earn automatic Olympic qualification.
However, a bike crash ruined his race and he battled home to finish 14th, just outside the top-10 cut-off.
Bailie and Australia's other Olympic aspirants are set to learn when they'll get their next chance to claim a place on the start line for the Rio Games.
Triathlon Australia are over the coming week set to announce which race in next year's series will be a non-discretionary qualifying race, and it's expected the Gold Coast event in April will be nominated.
"Bailie has been very consistent all season and he's had three top tens and two of those have been top-five finishes," Australia's performance director Bernard Savage said.
"I don't think Ryan is very far away from a breakthrough performance and how excellent that would be if he could have that here (in Chicago) and put himself on the podium."
Aaron Royle, the only Australian triathlete to have already qualified for Rio, will also line up in Chicago as will Courtney Atkinson and Ryan Fisher.
In the women's race on Friday (Saturday AEST), Gillian Backhouse will be looking to continue her good run of form.
The youngster - in her first full year on the top-tier circuit - was third in the last sprint race in Edmonton.
"She continues to grow in confidence and belief that she belongs at this level which is fantastic," said Savage.
"She's methodical, she's professional... and she's only going to keep going from strength to strength.
Emma Moffatt, Ashleigh Gentle, Charlotte McShane, Erin Densham and Emma Jackson will complete the Australian contingent.
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