Seear aims for triathlon win

IT has been a steady progression up the Noosa Triathlon podium for James Seear. In 2008 he was third, before finishing runner-up in last year’s race.

Last race of his season: James Seear says he is better prepared for this year’s Noosa Triathlon. Picture: Brett Wortman

IT has been a steady progression up the Noosa Triathlon podium for James Seear.

In 2008 he was third, before finishing runner-up in last year’s race behind Courtney Atkinson.

On Sunday, Seear is hoping to collect the final piece of the puzzle.

“I’m feeling a fair bit better than I have felt the previous two years,” he told the Daily yesterday.

“This year, it’s my last race of the season instead of being the first off a break.

“I’ve done a little bit more fitness this year than previously, which should make it a little bit easier.”

Seear, 23, is one of the country’s great prospects.

He toured internationally this year on the ITU circuit and competed at the world championships.

While his best result overseas was a sixth in the Netherlands, Seear feels he has the ability to claim a maiden Noosa crown.

“It’s been a good learning year for me. I’ve had a mixed bag of results but it’s good to see where I’m at,” he said. “This year I have the fitness to be able to pick it up or set a solid tempo if the race needs it.

“I can even push the bike a bit harder, so it should be interesting to see what I’m able to pull out.”

Atkinson is the hot favourite to claim his third successive title but with six-time winner Craig Walton back in the race, Seear says it has been thrown wide open.

“I know Courtney’s quite fit at the moment and then you’ve got Pete Jacobs, who’s fresh off doing an ironman,” he said.

“Court’s got a bit of pressure on him, being the defending champ, and Pete Jacobs is the dark horse of the weekend.

“Craig’s a dangerous one too. You never know what he can pull out.

“I’ve never raced him. I grew up in the sport watching him. He was an idol of mine and he’s going to be dangerous. If he can’t win it, he’ll go down fighting.

“He’ll be out there to tear us all to bits and if he’s not going to win it, he’ll be making sure we all hurt.”

Noosa Triathlon information

Noosa Triathlon 2009

Originally published as Seear aims for triathlon win