RECONNAISSANCE

“Jacqui and I organise our schedule so that we arrive at the destination of our next race a couple of days before. We like to ride the course, get a feel for it, check out any really technical aspects, gnarly descents or really big climbs. It’s vitally important to have a sharp attention to detail; on race day you’re going at a million miles an hour and all of a sudden there could be a left-hand turn with a steep rocky descent. You need to know what’s coming next in order to prepare yourself to negotiate that tricky technical section so you can ride it as fast and as safe as possible. You don’t want to come off and crash and lose time. If you can go out and check the course and find out where the best places to overtake on the run leg are and where you can really put the hammer down and try and break your competitors, it definitely gives you an advantage.”

THE WET STUFF

“The swimming leg would be one of my strengths among the three disciplines. I’ve represented Australia at three world life saving titles. I grew up on the beach and competed in surf life saving as a nipper. I’m lucky that my parents got me into swimming at a young age.