Aussies push to dominate Oz Day 10k

Three-time Paralympic gold medallist Kurt Fearnley has taken out his 10th Oz Day 10k title.

The national anthem was played just before Australia's most famous wheelchair road race got underway at The Rocks in the heart of historic Sydney at 9am on Tuesday.

Athletes gathered nervously at the Circular Quay starting line, stretching shoulders as they readied themselves to rumble around hairpin turns and tear down narrow streets at exhilarating speeds.

Some of the world's best competed with athletes from as far away as Japan, Korea and the US Down Under for the 10-kilometre Australia Day race.

Many received last-minute words of encouragement from coaches while others turned to loved ones as the starting gun was fired.

Kim Bailey watched proudly and nervously as 18-year-old son Luke Bailey lined up with his heroes.

Scouted by Fearnley, he is tipped as a prospect for the next Commonwealth Games.

Last year Bailey claimed victory in the juniors despite a broken wrist.

"He won the race and drove home four hours before he even realised," Mrs Bailey said on Tuesday.

While Bailey failed to make a mark this year in his first opens race, his mother said lining up alongside his heroes was enough.

"It gives him something to aim for," she said.

This year marks the 27th version of the race.