The 22-year-old, who flew out from New Zealand to Britain on Monday, is confident he can make a better fist of it this time.
He has five weeks of training behind him in Cambridge and has been in good form.
“I’m in a good position to have a good race,” he said.
Reid’s most recent performance was third in the Oceania Championships race at Brisbane in April.
He won the Oceania sprint title in Tasmania in March, and was part of the New Zealand relay team who won there.
Reid will be away from home for up to three months, mainly in Europe and also Japan and Canada.
The event in Japan in August is a trial run for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
Reid, the under-23 world champion, expects conditions to be tough there, too, as the temperature might get up to 35C, with high humidity.
New Zealand is focusing on the mixed team relay for the Olympics and sprinting ability is key for that event.
“I really like it, racing as a team,” Reid said.
“I enjoy the sprint-style racing.”
Some of his better performances have been in the standard, longer distance, however.
The relay team consists of two men and two women and about four men are serious contenders for the two positions.
Reid said competition for places was tough but tended to bring out the best in everybody.
“These guys are some of my best friends.
“You want to qualify but so do your friends. Your mate’s dreams are the same as yours.”
Reid, who is coached by Gisborne’s Stephen Sheldrake, uses that as a motivator.
On some days, it’s easier to get out and train, like when it’s sunny outside.
On others, “I remind myself why I do this”.
Reid keeps in mind that if he doesn’t put the effort in when it’s raining or cold, someone else will.
In an Olympic-qualification year, he has to maintain his form.
“It’s not just performing in one race but remaining healthy and injury-free,” he said.
“Confidence is hugely important.
“If you don’t believe you’re good enough to set out to achieve what you’re going to do, you’re probably right.”
He is racing three weekends in a row.
After Leeds, he is set to race in the mixed team relay at Nottingham, and then in Antwerp, Belgium, he has a sprint race.
