World-ranked triathlete Kris Gemmell is switching codes to race Olympic medallist Nick Willis in Wellington on Friday night.

Gemmell, the world No 8, completes a classy field vying for the national 3000m championship title at the Capital Classic, including Willis, former national titleholder Kim Horgath, and Wellington contenders Rees Buck and Hamish Carson.

Gemmell said the chance to race Willis was too good to miss.

"I'd never pass up an opportunity to learn from someone like Nick," he said.

"It might come to a race five months down the line with 3km to go, and I might be able to call on this learning experience."

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