Benfleet iron man Russell Kober is gearing up for the ultimate test of endurance in Edmonton.

The 25-year-old triathlete makes his international debut in the world championship tomorrow (Saturday) after qualifying with second-place finishes in events at Bournemouth and Windsor.

He will undertake a 1,500m swim, 40km bike ride and 10km run as he battles to be number one in the 25-29 age group.

Lining up against him will be the toughest athletes from around the globe, including Australians and Americans.

Russell only took up the sport 18 months ago and has been training hard by swimming 25,000m, cycling 150 miles and running 40 miles per week.

His coach, former triathlete Nigel Kimpton, believes his protege has an outstanding chance.

"It's going to be very tough, but I'm backing Russell to be top Brit," said Nigel, who lives in Leigh.

"He has put in so much training and it's a great achievement after taking up the sport 18 months ago."

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