The 31-year-old Novocastrian comfortably defended her Oceania title in Newcastle on Australia Day and is the defending champion for the Devonport event, which has been upgraded to World Paratriathlon Series status this year.

"Last year this race was a World Cup event but now it's stepped up to one of the World Series races, so there's more international girls over here racing," Parker told the Newcastle Herald.

"There's quite a good field, definitely stronger, and there will be about seven racing and a few strong girls who are always in the mix."

They include compatriot Emily Tapp, Germany's Christiane Reppe and Dutchwoman Margret Ijdema.

"Christiane is quite strong," Parker said. "She got third at worlds, she's a four-time handcycling world champion and handcycling Paralympic champion from the last Paralympics. She's moved into triathlon and she's always one to look out for."

Parker is the women's PTWC world champion and is eyeing Paralympic glory this year. She has all but qualified for the Paralympics in Japan but is keen to keep accumulating qualifying points as well as victories.

"I'm feeling good but I'm not enjoying the weather here," Parker said. "I don't like the cold. That's probably the biggest challenge for me, getting through the cold weather. I prefer 40 degrees.

"Other than that I'm feeling good in training and I'm feeling strong. I'm looking to back that up and get another win up my sleeve against some good competition.

"Every race I want to learn something and keep getting stronger."