Track and field is one of the few sports with true global appeal but the vast majority of the meets that matter take place in Europe.

So the sight of Patrick Johnson lining up against fellow Australian Matt Shirvington in the 100m in Lucerne, Switzerland on Thursday is a sure sign that the sharp end of the season is fast approaching.

Johnson will be introduced to the Lucerne crowd as the fastest man in the world this year courtesy of his ground-breaking run of 9.93 seconds last month in Japan.

After becoming the first Australian to break the 10-second barrier, Johnson has picked up invitations to the cream of the big-money Golden League meets in Zurich, Paris and Rome.

Shirvington has taken a different route this year, training with Linford Christie's star-studded stable in the United States and Britain.

The five-time national champion has eased back into competition by finishing fifth and fourth in recent meets in Milan and Lille.

Shirvington believes his program gives him the best chance of success at the world championships in Paris in August.

But, for the sake of his confidence and to grab the attention of the big-meet promoters, a quick time on Thursday on one of the fastest tracks in Europe is vital.

The men's 100m field also includes highly rated Jamaican Astafa Powell.

After racing in Lucerne, Shirvington will head north as one of six Australians to compete in the last-ever meet at Oslo's world-famous Bislett Stadium on Saturday.

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