This weekend marks the official start of the North American triathlon season with the popular accenture Ironman 70.3 California at Oceanside and when looking at the latest start field the race should be very exciting both for the men and women. Of course we won't know who will truly be fit and healthy until the race is on, plus some folks listed to start may not even make it to Oceanside at all, or be forced to be spectators.

The men

In the men's race defending champion Jan Frodeno is likely the favorite, but the fast German had to deal with an injury after a crash earlier this year and that forced him to not compete in the 2015 Challenge Dubai. He however seems ready now and we can look forward to see him and his new race kit in action. American Andy Potts and Canadian Brent McMahon will want to challenge him of course and the same is true for American Jesse Thomas, Canadian Lionel Sanders and Swiss Ronnie Schildknecht. Others to watch are Leon Griffin, David Kemp, Matt Reed and Trevor Wurtele, plus it will be interesting to see what Fred Belaubre will be able to produce in California.

The women

Canadian Heather Wurtele and American Heather Jackson head the women's field in Oceanside, and these two battled for the win in 2014, with the taller one coming out on top. There are however plenty other athletes who will want to grab the win in California and will not settle for the just a placement. American Alicia Kaye raced well in Dubai and appears ready, plus Canadians Angela Naeth, Melanie McQuaid, Magali Tisseyre and Rachel McBride are always dangerous. American Jennifer Spieldenner may not be on everyone's radar today, but ought to be, and Liz Lyles and Michelle Vesterby will also want to figure in.

A complete start list for the 2015 accenture Ironman 70.3 California at Oceanside can be found here.