Gold Coast home-grown triathlete Paul Hawker will use his knowledge of the local roads to his advantage when he jumps on his bike and competes for gold in cycling at this year’s Pan Pacific Masters Games (3 – 11 November).
The 49-year-old Ironman Australia triathlete from Runaway Bay has been riding the streets of the Gold Coast for many years and believes it will help him when he makes his Pan Pacs debut.
Cycling will be one of the 39 sports on the program at this major biennial sporting event that is expected to attract in excess of 11,000 competitors to the Gold Coast.
“I’d never really thought about participating at the Pan Pacs before, but I saw it on the internet one day and I immediately thought it would be a great event to be part of,” said Paul.
“I don’t think I’ve done enough training for the endurance events but I think the time trial event may be different because I know the course quite well which might help me.”
The former jet ski racer made the switch to triathlons in 2005 and has since competed in the Ironman Australia Triathlon as well as completing the Ironman 70.3 in Hawaii.
“I started triathlons about seven years ago after picking up a triathlon magazine and thinking it would be a fun sport to do as well as a great way to keep fit and healthy,” said Paul.
“I first competed in the Gatorade Queensland Tri Series on the Gold Coast which started my competitive side in triathlons and from there it was a step by step process.
“I got fitter and faster and I was able to compete in the longer distances. I soon competed in the Ironman Australian Triathlon and Ironman 70.3 Hawaii in 2009 which are two sporting achievements I am extremely proud of.”
Paul attributes his love for the sport to the triathlon community who are the “friendliest” sporting group he has been a part of.
“The triathlon community is full of amazing people and it is one of the friendliest sports I have been associated with,” said Paul.
“They encourage you to keep going especially if you’re having a bad day. They always give you a pat on the back and continue to be really motivating and inspiring.”
Despite struggling to clock up enough training hours on the bike in preparation for the Pan Pacs, Paul is confident he can still be competitive across his five races.
“At the start of my preparation for the Pan Pacs my goal was to do it properly and give myself the best chance of doing well but I’ve found it hard to find time to train,” said Paul.
“I’m just really looking forward to having fun and enjoying myself. If I can pick up a place or even clock a new personal best than that would be great.”
The new system was born here and filagra this is not something that we would like to see. Caverta whilst better in some elements but not momentous for us.
