A win in her first hit-out since her world-beating duathlon performance in Spain four months ago augers well for Warrnambool champion athlete Jenny Dowie ahead of her ITU World Triathlon grand final.
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Dowie will compete in the 60-64 female sprint age group of the triathlon championships in Lausanne, Switzerland, on August 31.
Despite a shortened preparation for the Swiss event, her winning performance in the Victorian Duathlon Series' opener at Yarra Boulevard was encouraging for Dowie.
"I was very happy with that," Dowie, who flies out for Europe on Tuesday, said.
"It was my first race since the world championships, so it gave me an indication of where I'm at. It was a much-needed hit-out to have."
An extended European holiday after her world duathlon victory in Pontevedra, Spain, on April 27, and subsequent dental issues left the evergreen athlete with just 11 weeks to train for Lausanne.
Dowie, who concedes the swimming leg of the triathlon could present a challenge, is relaxed about her prospects.
"Swimming is not my strength, but if I can put in the best race I can on the day with the amount of training I have done, I'll be happy," she said.
"I'm not expecting great things, I certainly don't expect to win, but it would be nice if I can place in the top 10," she said.
She will be among five Australians vying in the 60-strong field in which she has identified a number of likely threats.
"I have seen the field and there's some very talented women who have beaten me in the past in triathlons," she said.
Competitors will tackle a 750-metre swim on Lake Geneva, followed by a 20-kilometre bike ride and a five-kilometre run.
Dowie will contest the international triathlon of Mont Blanc nearby in France as a warm-up. With her body "holding up well," Dowie said she was excited about the upcoming race.
"I'm at the stage where I want to make the most of life's opportunities," she said.
"I'm just going to go across and enjoy this whole experience and make the most of every day we have there.
"I'm very grateful for the support of all my family and friends who have helped me out so much."
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