Triathlon: Carter ready to tackle the Rock

Olympic champion Hamish Carter goes back to the future when he competes in an American icon triathlon in San Francisco on Monday.

Carter begins his United States adventure when he steps into the icy waters for the Escape to Alcatraz Triathlon, 14 years after his professional debut in the same event.

He has taken a long time to return, and looks forward to competing in some of the traditional North American triathlons.

"I'm taking part in some big races that I've always wanted to do but which have not fitted into my build-up for major championships," Carter said.

The US triathlon scene still clings to its traditional roots of non-drafting triathlons at the elite level and, despite boasting the world men's No 1, Hunter Kemper, the International Triathlon Union's World Cup style of multi-lap, draft-legal racing has never caught on.

The focus tends to be on the traditional events such as the Alcatraz, Boston, Chicago and Los Angeles triathlons, and the rich Lifetime Fitness event.

"They are serious and very competitive," Carter said. "But some, like this one, are quite quirky."

Carter's wife, Marissa, and their two children are basing themselves in Vancouver until he tackles the world championships in Japan in September.

Escape from Alcatraz is a unique and difficult race. It consists of a 2.5km swim in the waters off the infamous prison island, made considerably more daunting by the anticipated 12C water temperature and fierce currents.

Then there is a warming 1.5km run, followed by a hilly 32km bike ride to Golden Gate Park and back, before a final 13km run featuring a gruelling climb up 400 sand steps.

"I've just had the one race this year in Australia for the World Cup, so I'm really not sure how I will go," Carter said. "I will get better as the season goes on."

He is also aware that he starts every race with the mantle of 2004 Olympic champion.

"I think about it, but throughout my career I have never gone into a race without being ready to do my absolute best.

"The race at Athens is well gone. I'm lining up against some fantastic triathletes who don't give a damn that I won Olympic gold."

Four New Zealanders are competing in the Alcatraz, including Kris Gemmell, back after a three-month layoff due to a broken toe. Also racing is US-based Aucklander Peter Clode and Ironman New Zealand champion Joanna Lawn.

The men's field is led by defending champion and five-time world champion Simon Lessing, New Zealand Half-Ironman champion Craig Alexander, of Australia, world No 1 Kemper and Australian Craig Walton, a multiple winner of this event.

The women's race has been dominated by Australian great Michellie Jones, the record-holder, and includes 2003 world champion Emma Snowsill, of Australia, and Americans Barb Lindquist and Susan Williams.

- NZPA