Matt Hauser is keen to scratch the long-course itch and is expecting fireworks when the Australian Olympics triathlon star competes in Geelong.
Hauser will make his long-course debut on Sunday at the 70.3, or half-ironman distance race, which is also the opening race of the season-long Ironman Pro series.
He starred last year at the Paris Olympics with seventh place, the best result by an Australian in the men's individual race since 2004.
Now Hauser will join Tokyo Olympics teammates Jake Birtwhistle and Aaron Royle in a stacked field in Geelong.
Geelong is a 1.9km swim, 90km cycle and 21.1km half-marathon run. Hauser is the latest Olympic triathlete to step up the year after the Games, which is raced over the 1.5/40/10 format.
"It's an itch I want to scratch and in an explorative year post-Olympics," Hauser said.
"I can't wait to see how I fare over the middle distance and test my body before a big season ahead."
The men's field is headlined by Belgian ace Jelle Geens, who will race for the first time since winning the Ironman 70.3 world title in December in New Zealand.
The "70.3" denotes the total half-ironman race distance in miles.
"I'm expecting some fireworks,'' Hauser said.
"It's the first race of the season, let alone the Ironman Pro series, so expect some guys going out there to make some statements early.
"Having an opportunity to race the world champ Jelle in my debut Ironman 70.3 race is an exciting challenge."
New Zealander Sam Osborne will defend his Geelong title, while the women's field is similarly strong.
Previous winners Grace Thek from Australia (2023) and New Zealander Hannah Berry ('20) will race, along with local long-course stars Regan Hollioake and Penny Slater.
