MULTIPLE former world champion and current British Champion Simon Lessing is in the six-strong Team England triathlon squad for the Manchester 2002 Commonwealth Games.

He is joined by Andrew Johns - ruled out of Olympic contention by a flu'-like bug in Sydney two years ago - as well as Stuart Hayes whose second place finish in both selection races this year has booked him a place in Manchester.

The women's squad is led by Jodie Swallow and includes European Champion Michelle Dillon and Julie Dibens. Dibens had to withdraw injured on the eve of the 2000 Olympic Games but has since returned to the top of the sport after a long fight-back.

England will face strong opposition from Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the other UK countries in the triathlon, which looks set to be a key part of the Games finale on August 4.

Competitors in the sport will swim 1500m in one of the canal basins at Salford Quays, cycle a circuit which goes through the city centre and then run a route which goes close to the famous Manchester United football ground at Old Trafford. The race will culminate in front of the world-famous Lowry Museum.

Ian Pettit, England's triathlon team manager said: "I think that we have an exciting team. They have gone through a rigorous selection procedure and we have the right athletes to perform on the day. We are now really looking forward to the Games."

Ann Hogbin, Chef de Mission of Team England, said: "Our triathlon athletes are amongst the best in the world and will inevitably be strong medal contenders in both events. I would like to welcome them to the growing Team England squad and wish them every success at the Games."

The triathlon action all takes place on Sunday, August 4.