Two-time runner-up Ryan Fisher boldly plans to use the rigours of the ocean to tax weaker swimmers to power his way to a breakthrough Noosa Triathlon title on Sunday.
The favourite to tick Australia's most popular race off his bucket list following the withdrawal of Olympic teammate Ryan Bailie (calf), Fisher is savouring the race start in the Noosa swell.
Traditionally swum in the nearby canals, race organisers moved the opening leg to the beach last year and the 25-year-old couldn't be happier.
"I'd always said for years I didn't understand why it had been in the canals when you are racing at one of the most iconic beaches in Queensland," he told AAP.
"Having the beach start, running in, wading, they're all sorts of things that if you are purely a pool swimmer or didn't grow up at the beach you just don't have it.
'The stronger swimmers really prevail and the weaker swimmers find it a lot tougher."
World under-23 champion Jake Birtwhistle, the man Fisher edged out for the final Rio Games spot largely due to his swimming superiority, lines up as his main rival.
Tasmanian Birtwhistle, coming off a victory over Bailie in Nepean, also believes the race will be won on the bumpy 1500m swim and non-drafting 40km bike legs.
Fisher admits he'll look "stupid" if his strategy fails but even with a lack of racing since his Olympic debut two months ago, he feels an aggressive approach from the outset will best help his chances.
Still pained by his Rio experience, finishing 24th after being laid low with a virus, the Queenslander does admit the disappointment has fuelled his desire for Noosa.
He finished second to Peter Kerr as a 21-year-old in 2012 and then missed a prime chance last year when American Joe Maloy burned him off 800m from home on the run.
"Both times it was just one mistake I made," he said.
"I'm super-motivated for this."
Fellow Olympian Ashleigh Gentle will face stiff opposition from Charlotte McShane and Emma Jackson in the women's race
Bathurst winner Will Davidson will be among the celebrity entrants on Sunday morning as he aims for a 2 hour 20 minute race time to challenge fellow V8 driver Jamie Whincup in what is the most participated triathlon in the world.
