Triathlon: World champion Carfrae ticks all the right boxes

Mirinda Carfrae is at Taupo to back her world championship defence. Photo / PRNewsfoto

A rule change has handed promoters of tomorrow's Ironman a bonus. Under normal circumstances it is unlikely the current world champion would be on the start line so early in the season. But all competitors eyeing a start in the World Championship race in Kona, Hawaii, later in the year are now required to validate their entry by finishing another full-distance Ironman - and defending Kona champion Mirinda Carfrae will race in Taupo.

"Even the defending champion is not exempt, so here I am," said Carfrae, 29, during a break in her preparation this week. "I'm probably less than 90 per cent prepared at this stage, but if I get through the swim and bike okay I will see how it goes. I'm only here to tick the box."

But, no matter where she is placed heading into the run, the US-based Australian will be a threat. Carfrae came from 11m 45s back - in fourth place - to charge to the lead midway through the run in Hawaii last year. She stormed home with a 2h 53m marathon to claim the biggest Ironman race in the world in only her second attempt at the distance.

The best time run by a woman in Taupo is a tick under three hours.

Carfrae, who last competed in New Zealand at the 2003 Oceania and later World Triathlon (short course) Championships in Arrowtown at under-23 level, has immense respect for seven-time NZ champion Jo Lawn. "For her, this race is like her world championship," said Carfrae. "She is tough."

Of her chances of returning, Carfrae said if she won tomorrow she would be back to defend. Of her chances of doing an Ironman in Australia, she was not so enthusiastic.

After all, she dodged the floods in her hometown by staying dry in Boulder, Colorado, and prefers to spend much of her year training and racing Stateside.