Perth resident Rhys Mainstone will look to use his hometown knowledge to gain an upper hand on a competitive field taking part in the Swim The Swan next weekend.
Mainstone is the defending champion of the 10km event which forms part of the BHP Billiton Aquatic Super Series.
The 23-year-old admits this year’s field will prove a tougher assignment with several international competitors gracing the Western Australian waters.
Mainstone is relishing the prospect of racing in front of his home crowd.
“It’s my home town, so all my friends and family can come down and watch what I do, because when it’s overseas it’s pretty hard for them to travel halfway around the world just to watch me race,” he said.
“I’m used to the weather and I swim in the river a fair bit during summer, so it’s going to be enjoyable.
“After last year, I can understand a little bit of the currents at the top end of the course, and also the loop and the city foreshore and skyline.
“I get to see that, which is pretty good, but also coming in to the finish, I know a good race line which I’ve got so I’m going to implement it next week.”
2012 Olympic 10km bronze medallist Richard Weinberger, from Canada, looms as one of the favourites for next Sunday’s race, and will be joined by WA’s Simon Huitenga and challengers from New Zealand and Japan.
Mainstone acknowledged he would have to be at his best to hold off the competition as he looks to make an ideal start to a year which will see him push for higher honours at the World Cup in Mexico and the Pan Pacific Championships on the Gold Coast in August.