Matthews set for triathlon season

Gearing up: Murwillumbah triathlete Paul Matthews has his sights set on a big year on the world stage.

Crystal Spencer

BRIMMING with confidence and enthusiasm, Murwillumbah triathlete Paul Matthews can’t wait for the new season to get up and running.

He was headhunted by the industry’s foremost team, Trek K-Swiss, has closed out his pre-season training with a commanding win at Bribie Island last weekend, and genuinely believes he is the fittest he has ever been.

“I’ve just had the best start to the year,” Matthews said.

“The new team are just so professional, it really is like stepping up to another level.

“And throw in the fact I’ve had an amazing off-season preparation and fitness wise ... the best summer I remember ... and I’m ready for a big year.

“I think this year could be the start of something good, and I’m super-excited.”

Three six-hour cycles, endless laps of the pool, multiple running circuits, and several weights sessions may sound like a lot to fit into one week, but for the former Murwillumbah East and High School student it’s life.

And it’s paying off.

Having not raced since November, Matthews blitzed the field at the Bribie event at the weekend, leaving himself in good stead for this weekend’s Singapore 70.3.

The first major international meet of the year, Singapore is a flat course, and one Matthews has never attempted.

“It’s not an ideal course for me, but I can’t wait to give it a crack,” he said.

“My strengths are in my cycle and run legs, and so I’m a lover of hills because that’s where I can do most of my damage.”

Matthews returns from Singapore on Monday and will reside in Casuarina until May, when he will fly to his racing base in America.

While Matthews is hoping to better his one win (Buffalo 70.3), one second and two thirds on last year’s circuit, he said his main focus is on the world titles in November, and a top-five finish.

“I’ve structured my season better this year to make sure I’m fresher for the worlds, as I’ve underperformed there in recent attempts,” he said.

Matthews will fly to Singapore today.