As triathlon gets set to makes its Paralympic debut in Rio, the national body is on the lookout for high-calibre athletes to assist Britain's top visually impaired triathletes as they vie for gold medals.

Britain's female athletes have been dominant on the International Triath;on Union (ITU) circuit over recent years, winning four of the last five world titles in the visually impaired (PT5) class.

Alison Patrick and Melissa Reid finished first and second in this year's ITU World Triathlon Grand Final in Edmonton, with Reid picking up the title in 2013.

British Triathlon is now accepting applications from high-calibre experienced athletes not committed to racing in ITU or European Triathlon Union (ETU) elite events in the lead up to Rio 2016.

Para-triathlon racing takes place over the sprint distance, meaning British Triathlon is seeking a number of guides who not only have good swim speed, but also time trialling ability and running speed.

Sprint distance racing involves a 750 metres swim, 20km bike and 5km run.

British Paratriathletes Alison Patrick and Melissa Reid finished first and second at this year's ITU World Triathlon Grand Final in Edmonton ©Delly Carr/ITU

To help guide minimum standards for application, applicants should be able to swim sub 400m in sub six minutes, complete a 10 mile cycling time trial in sub25min and run five kilometres in sub-20min.

Success in the sport at the Paralympics, and other major Championships, requires maximum teamwork between guide and athlete, with British Triathlon searching for suitable guides who not only possess the right physical abilities, but also the right mental and organisational approach.

Guides could be required to attend key races and training opportunities during 2015, potentially including the Paralympic Test Event in Rio and the ITU Para-triathlon World Championships in Chicago in September.

In 2016, the focus will be on the Paralympic Games in September, with key preparation events in advance.

The deadline for applications is December 10.

An assessment day will then be carried out in Loughborough on December 18.

For more information, click here.

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