Currie has won this race two years running, so understands what is required to race well at this time of the year. But, this year saw him race at the Ironman World Championships for the first time, leaving him a little leg weary, but no less determined on Saturday.
"I definitely feel like I am at the end of my season and am a little tired, but I am really excited to race this weekend and won't hold anything back. This feels like my last race this year and that is a really good headspace to be in, I will definitely race as hard as I can and go for the win and what will be will be.
"It has been a very long season, I put a lot into Ironman World Champs this year, from qualifying at Ironman New Zealand and then going to the Asia Pacific champs in Cairns to get enough points, and then I had some very big training blocks on the road to Kona. I haven't really stopped since then with XTERRA Worlds and 70.3 Asia Pacific Champs a week ago," he said.
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Posted by IRONMAN 70.3 Taupo on Thursday, 23 November 2017
Currie knew the competition was looking for any signs of weakness, with a strong field of New Zealanders and internationals on the start-line in Taupo tomorrow,identifying two to be wary of.
"These days we have to be tactical in how we race. I am pretty sure Mike (Phillips) is racing, he gave me such a challenge last year and surged towards the end of the race. Dylan (McNeice) is back and we know he is an incredible swimmer and will open up the race early on. It will be interesting to see who will go with Dylan or if he ends up by himself."
McNeice, however, was playing down the prospect of a sizeable lead out of the water, the 32-year-old looking for a big summer in New Zealand after hip surgery this time last year hindered his European summer. But it was an incident not long after his return home that might slow his progress most.
"One week into training I came off the mountain bike and smashed my ribs up a bit, meaning four weeks without any swimming or running. I have salvaged a little bit of shape though and, while I won't be on fire on Saturday, I am just looking forward to mixing it up and racing in New Zealand again.
"I am not going to look to do what I usually do and lead the swim and attack the race from the front. Hopefully I can stay hidden, follow the lead if I can and then run as fast as I can. A good result from that will add up to a good day," McNeice said.
Currie has a similar philosophy, with the prospect of multiple contenders coming together on the run to spice things up for those watching the race.
"Taupo is very beautiful course. I am excited to see it is a three-lap run course which will be a lot of fun for us and for the spectators to see us each lap. The swim is open and can be choppy and change the race dynamics, but you do your best to stay in the front bunch and be ready to strike at the end."
