Bell pursues second Ironman world championship

He’ll be looking to do the same when he takes on the Hawaiian Ironman next weekend.

Having claimed the 40-44 years age division on his last journey, in which he finished 36^th overall, Bell will be hoping to reclaim the mantle.

“I feel like I’m in pretty good shape, the training’s gone pretty well through winter so if all things go to plan it’d be good to get back on the podium,” Bell said.

“I’ve taken 15 days to get over and acclimatise and finish the last bit of training off. The race is obviously renowned for the heat and the wind and being the world championships the competition is really high and everything just intensifies being the biggest race of the year.”

It will be the fifth time Bell has tackled the world’s toughest triathlon race since taking up the sport at age 35.

“I didn’t start triathlon until I was 35 and I was lucky enough to qualify first year and this will be the fifth time so it’s been good,” Bell said.

“I did surf boat rowing for a lot of years and felt like I needed a change and I just really enjoyed the different sort of training and the challenge.

“The Hawaiian Ironman was something I’d always dreamed of doing but realistically I didn’t think it was possible but I’ve been fortunate enough to go back a few times now.

“It definitely doesn’t get easier but you certainly learn something new every time you go there. My times have come down each time so hopefully that trend continues