TRIATHLON: Maroochydore's Brodie Gardner is taking aim at a top-10 result at the world cross triathlon championships after snaring his maiden national title.

The 30-year-old believes local knowledge played a significant part in his victory at the Australian Cross Triathlon Championships at Landsborough on Saturday, when he conquered the 1/5km swim, 30km ride, 10km run in 2hrs15min05sec, overcoming defending champ Ben Allen by1min39secm.

After finishing runner-up last year and fourth the previous year, it was a welcome triumph.

"The last couple of national titles have been at altitude which doesn't seem to suit me so having a local race on a course I've probably ridden more than any other guys that were out there racing on the weekend, that certainly helped, having that local knowledge and having that local support as well,” he said.

He trailed by almost three minutes after the swim and by 45 seconds after the bike but finished strongly during a hot run leg.

"I think I put my work as a exercise physiologist and sports scientist into practice, trying to work some heat strategies,” he said.

Gardner will next take aim at the XTERRA Asia-Pacific Tour, with seven races in about nine weeks, including an attempted title defence at Saipan in the Northern Mariana Islands.

"A lot of hot destinations...(and) I haven't worked out how many flights it is, probably 20-30,” he said.

But it's the ITU World Cross Triathlon Championships in Canada in August which is really in his sights, particularly after a disappointing result as last year's corresponding event in New South Wales.

On that occasion, Gardner had an injury-plagued preparation before the race in the Snowy Mountains.

"I finished 16th on pretty poor form. I don't think I hit the sort of numbers (leg splits) I was capable of so if this whole season goes well I think a top-10 (at Canada) would be feasible.”

That's assuming he can get there. There's limited prize money and less sponsorship in cross triathlons.

"I think every season I'm getting stronger and stronger (but) it's always hard, it's an expensive sport,” he said.

"It drains more money then it brings back in.”

Gardner has raced on the road before but says "my future's on the dirt and trails. I enjoy that a lot more.”

"Not having a strong swim background, you're race is over before it (essentially) starts (in Olympic distance triathlons).”

Meanwhile, Switzerland's Renato Bucher won the women's race at Ewen Maddock Dam, in 2hrs34min20sec, two minutes ahead of national title winner Penny Slater.