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There are less than 3 weeks left until the World Championships on Hawaii will be started. Pete Jacobs will race for the first time in the Abu Dhabi Triathlon Team outfit. After highs and lows in this years season Pete is motivated to improve his 8th position from 2009.

Pete, that is the first year for you in Abu Dhabi Triathlon Team. Has changed a lot through this fact?
The support has been much greater than anything I have had before, and allowed me to focus more on my training without being distracted by having to do any other work for income, or having to deal with the many different sponsors necessary to have the top level products which Abu Dhabi Triathlon Team has. It is great to be part of a team which gets along so well, and supports each other by offering advice, humour, and an extra level of interest to this otherwise selfish pursuit of becoming the best.

How did you last weeks look like?
My training over the last 2 months have been focused on Hawaii, and have been better than for any other race. After the first four weeks of training I raced and convincingly won Philippines Ironman 70.3 in hot and humid conditions, like it is in Hawaii. This was an enormous boost to my confidence in my training regime, and in my ability to race well in hot conditions. I believe my chances of winning are much higher than last year, and am confident of finishing in the top 3 if I have a good day.

Have you adapted your training because of the specific conditions of Hawaii?
For Hawaii I have been running more recovery runs than previously, to get more time running so my muscles are stronger in the end of the race. I have been training with the same weekly routine of swim, bike, or run sessions every week but have been increasing the distance and effort in my sessions. I ran 37km on Monday at a good pace and had no muscle soreness, which i was very happy with . This was one of my best runs ever.

Who do you think would be your strongest rivals and why?
The defending Champion Craig Alexander, as well as all of the top 10 from 2009 will be the strongest competition. I think those that can do well in Hawaii, tend to do well year after year. There are a few others who had bad races last year but have been top 10 before, and also a few new names who have not been to Hawaii before but could also be tough competition.

How important is the race for you – what would that mean for yourself if you would win the world championships?
Winning this race is the highest possible achievement in long distance triathlon, and is one of the oldest and most respected triathlons in the world. If I were to win it would make me, my fiance`, and my family very proud. Winning this race would also make life much easier and enjoyable thanks to the prize money and benefits which follow from becoming world champion.

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