KAILUA-KONA, Hawaii, Oct 9 AAP - Hawaiian Ironman triathlon legend Craig Alexander has backed his successors to continue the outstanding run of Australian form in the race.
While three-time champion Mirinda Carfrae is the obvious focus of Australian attention this year, there is a changing of the guard among the top men at Saturday's Ironman world championships.
Last year was the first time since 2006 an Australian had not made the podium of the men's race.
And now none of the previous Australian men's winners are racing at Kona.
Alexander has not retired officially, but the three-time winner and course record holder is highly unlikely to race at Hawaii again.
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Two-time winner Chris McCormack now manages the Bahrain Endurance Team and 2012 winner Pete Jacobs pulled out because of illness.
That leaves 2013 runner-up Luke McKenzie and Tim Van Berkel, who had a breakout seventh placing last year, as the top Australians in the men's field.
"I'm very confident - I've been with Luke McKenzie quite a bit this year and ... I see a similar Luke to the one I saw two years ago," Alexander said.
"Tim Van Berkel seems really relaxed and I've just liked his trajectory this year.
"Both of them could push for a top five or even a podium."
Two-time Olympian Brad Kahlefeldt, who is making his debut at Hawaii, and former top-five finisher Luke Bell are other Australians who could post big results.
After eight years of competition, this is the first time that Alexander is in Hawaii as a spectator.
He is fulfilling sponsorship commitments and making public appearances on behalf of the race.
"I've been busier than ever - normally when I'm racing, I've kept the obligations and commitments to a minimum," he said.
"This year ... my sponsors, who were gracious enough in the past to leave me alone, I think have tried to cash in on all those years in one go.
"But it's been excellent - a lot of fun."
Alexander, 42, admits it will feel weird when the race starts on Sunday morning (AEDT) and he is not competing.
"I'm sure there will be mixed emotions on Saturday when the gun goes off.
"But in all fairness, I think I'm where I'm supposed to be this year."
