NEWCASTLE’S Aaron Royle will be aiming to equal a competition record by winning his fifth Nepean triathlon at Penrith on Sunday.
In the race’s 32 previous editions, only one competitor – Tim Bentley (1992-96) – has won it five times.
Royle is a four-time champion, having triumphed in 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2017.
Since the last race of the World Triathlon Series on the Gold Coast in September, Royle has been training with the Australian squad, under the guidance of Maitland’s former Olympian Brendan Sexton.
“I have been jumping in and doing a few sessions with the boys in Wollongong and they will put you under the pump if you're having an off day, that’s for sure,” he said. “But it’s been good to take part from time to time – keeps you motivated.”
Royle said he felt the course at Nepean suited him, saying: “I know it like the back on my hand.
“It’s serious racing but it’s great to have a relaxed environment … it’s a race I always look forward to.”
Other contenders on Sunday include Royle’s Rio Olympics teammates Ryan Bailie and Ryan Fisher, and Jake Birtwhistle, who was third in this year’s WTS.
