Triathlon: Hewitt looking to go one better

Andrea Hewitt in action during the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. Photo / Photosport

Kiwi triathlete Andrea Hewitt is hoping to continue her hot start to 2017 in this weekend's ITU World Cup event in New Plymouth.

Fresh off a last-start win in Abu Dhabi Hewitt is clearly in good for as she prepares for her home race.

The soon-to-be 35-year-old is doing a few things a little differently this year and it appears to be working.

"It was a perfect start to the season really," Hewitt said. "I went overseas in February so I started the season a little bit earlier than previously.

"I went to the Caribbean and raced in Antigua and Barbuda so that was a cool experience and a good heat training block a week before going to Abu Dhabi.

"The race there went perfectly for me."

Hewitt has raced at every World Cup event held in New Plymouth since her debut there back in 2005. While she has plenty of experience and success to call upon there she is yet to stand on the top step of the podium and that is driving her this time around.

"I've raced in New Plymouth quite a few times so I know the course and with the home crowd support hopefully it is going to be a good one.

"The last two years I have had silver in New Plymouth. I got the gold in Auckland one year. It is always good to win and that is my goal.

"I love racing in New Zealand - I don't really get an opportunity. This World Cup event - it is great to still have one here in New Zealand."

With a super strong field Hewitt will need to be at her best if she is to win.

"The last two years we have had a small group away on the bike and we have worked well together.

"There is a forecast of rain so that could play into my hands with not so big bike bunches going into the run."

After a turbulent year both personally and professionally leading into the Rio Olympics last year many expected the Cantabrian to retire but she has committed to continuing her long and successful career but with some tweaks.

"I guess I am different - I have been to three Olympic Games now and I'm at the end of my career so I am just going on feel for what best suits me.

"I am not going to spend half the year in Europe. I will go for close to four months so I guess I am cutting my season shorter.

"I won't be cutting down on training. I love training in Christchurch and I like being at home - it just feels better being here for my training."