Phil Wylie is running faster than ever and understandably optimistic about his hopes at the World Duathlon Championships, in America, next weekend.

The Bristol & West AC runner, pictured above right, flies out with the Great Britain elite squad to Concord, North Carolina, on Monday to prepare for next Saturday's event, which comprises two 10k road runs sandwiched around a 40k bike race.

"I am absolutely going for a top-10 finish," said Wylie. "Last year I was 15th and I feel I have progressed to the next level in terms of fitness and experience since then.

"So making the top 10 is the next step and then I can build upon that over the next few years so that I am then challenging for a place on the podium. That's the big aim and it is moving in the right direction."

While not downplaying the importance of the bike section, it is the final 10k run that normally sorts out the medals. And that is why Wylie, who is currently living in Bath, is bullish about his chances.

"I was really pleased with my personal best of 30mins 09secs at the recent Cardiff 10k," added Wylie. "It was very encouraging as I had hoped to be at the point next weekend so I am ahead of schedule in terms of preparation."

With little more to be done in terms of fitness, Wylie has been concentrating in recent weeks at acclimatising himself to the change in time zones from the UK to the east coast of America.

"They are about six hours behind so to get used to the change I have been staying up later, until around midnight, and getting up later and doing my main session of the day when I will be due to race in Carolina," explained Wylie.

"I have done this before and I found it really works for me. I seem to be able to get into a new sleep pattern very quickly and don't feel exhausted for the first few days.

"Going into a major championships you want to feel fresh, rested and ready to race and if I can get that extra two to three per cent by being prepared as well as possible then that must be good."

Then it is just down to how Wylie performs on the day and avoiding any mishaps like a puncture that could wreck his hopes.

A smooth ride and an even smoother run could see Wylie right up with the world's best.