END OF AN ERA APPROACHING

Today’s men’s grand final of the world triathlon series marks a changing of the guard in New Zealand.

But most eyes will be on the conclusion of the 2012 world championship.

The world crown is a two-horse race between Spain’s Javier Gomez and Briton Jonathan Brownlee, and Brownlee has the inside running.

If he finishes no worse than third today, Gomez cannot catch him in the overall points race.

And since the Olympic bronze medallist was on the podium in his last 17 international events, the odds look in his favour.

However, Gomez, who has been training in Christchurch in preparation for the race, beat Brownlee to Olympic silver in London just over two months ago.

Plus, he says, he has recovered from an injury sustained recently and is ready to go.

‘‘The last few weeks in Christchurch were quite OK, maybe not my best fitness ever but I hope I will have a good one,’’ said Gomez.

‘‘Considering Jonathan has been on the podium for the last 17 races, it’s not easy to think he will be fourth. But you never know. It’s a tough course and I like racing in this kind of weather.’’

Meanwhile, as veterans Kris Gemmell and Bevan Docherty prepare to retire from Olympicdistance triathlons, Ryan Sissons will soon find himself the top-ranked New Zealand male in the world – currently 22nd.

Docherty, who has previously suggested he may pursue a career in long distance multisport, says his future is undecided.

‘‘For the record, I’m really not too sure what I’m doing. I know I’m focusing on long course but there is still that desire to race in these events. But certainly London was my last Olympic campaign.’’