The cream of the triathlon crop will be descending on Blenheim Palace next month for the second Blenheim Triathlon.

Oxford triathlete Sophie Whitworth, the winner of last year's women's event, is hoping history will repeat itself this year but she knows it won't be easy defending her title.

This year's event, due to be shown on Channel 4, will see at least 12 elite professional triathletes swimming, cycling and running around the scenic grounds of the Woodstock estate.

Following the success of the first Blenheim Triathlon last year, the race will take place over two days, on May 20-21, and more than 3,000 competitors are expected to take part in the Oxford Mail-sponsored event.

Some of the biggest names in British triathlon will be competing, including Richard Stannard and Stuart Hayes.

In the women's race, 35-year-old Sophie, who lives in Forest Hill, near Wheatley, will have some tough competition.

She said: "It's going to be a far tougher race. Blenheim has become more firmly established on the racing calendar and with the TV coverage this year the true elite triathletes are taking an interest.

"I'm really looking forward to racing. I'm ready to get out there and really go hard and see what happens. I would like to get on the podium on home soil."

After her Blenheim victory, Sophie went on to win a silver medal representing Great Britain at the World Age Group Championships in Hawaii.

She said: "I want to make a good start to my campaign of trying to go one better this year and getting the gold at the Worlds."

Sophie, who balances training with her full-time job as a national accounts manager for chocolate firm Cadbury, said: "I'm doing 30 per cent more training this year and I'll be looking at this year's Blenheim time to see where I've made improvements."

Last year, she completed the course a 750m swim, a 20km bike and a 5km run in a time of one hour and 14 minutes quicker than Olympic gold medallist James Cracknell.

Organisers have not yet confirmed which celebrities will be taking part in this year's race.

There will be a women's afternoon on the Saturday as well as a relay event, a varsity race and a children's event.

For more information, see www.theblenheimtriathlon.com * The organisers are keen to hear from people willing to volunteer to help at the event on May 19, 20, or May 21.

Tasks for marshals include directing athletes, supporting competitors and handing out medals.

Volunteers need to be aged at least 17 and will receive food and refreshments throughout the day, a limited edition T-shirt and travel expenses.

To get involved, email josh@thelondontriathlon.com or call 0207 5592803.