THE WORLD championships near Las Vegas, USA, is the next roll of the wheel for Mary Tavy triathlete Dave Hutchins.

Dave, 25, who now lives in Exeter and works as a doctor in the accident and emergency department of the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, is now hard in preparation for the biggest test yet in his triathlon 'career.'

The 2011 ITU Long Distance Triathlon World Championships will be held in Henderson, Nevada, USA, on November 5.

The race will feature a 4K swim which is stated to be held at the Lake Las Vegas resort, a 120k bike ride with more than 9,700 feet climbing, and a 30k run that boasts an additional 2,000 ft elevation gain.

Dave, who will be representing Great Britain for the third time, achieved an excellent fourth place in the ETU European Long Distance Triathlon Championships in his age group recently in Finland.

Times photographer James Bird has been asked to join the GB support crew of the British team to photograph the event and will accompany Dave to the USA.

Dave, a former head boy of Kelly College has also received invaluable backing from Okehampton Cycles who are servicing his special carbon fibre competition bicycle ready for the event.