The New Zealand open-water champ wants dearly to win the series as he prepares for the all-important final Olympic qualifying event in the 10km open water swim in Portugal in June.
Standing in his way tomorrow is a competitive lineup of elite men, including series leader and State Paihia Classic winner Stefan Talbot; Cook Strait record holder Casey Glover; Hamiltonian Andrew Pullon and local boy Henry Norris.
"I'm definitely looking to win, as I always am when I go into these races. But in saying that, everyone who is going to be down there is a quality swimmer and on their day could have a great day. You just never know," Radford said.
In the absence of Olympian Melissa Gorman (Australia) and New Zealand champion Cara Baker, the elite women's field is wide open. This may be the best chance of the summer for a dark horse to stand up and prove themselves as genuine threat in New Zealand open water swimming.
This event will mark, almost to the day, the one-year anniversary of the devastating earthquake that struck the Canterbury region.
Event director Scott Rice said this will be an emotional time for all of New Zealand especially the people of Christchurch, but added he is pleased to be able to provide an avenue for people to come together and share a fun day out.
"It's a real privilege to still be hosting an event in Canterbury for the first time since the earthquakes," he said.
"We understand that for many people it is still a struggle so any form of escapism or entertainment we can provide will hopefully be well received."
