A recent third placing at the Byron Bay Triathlon is a great result for UQ scholar Adam Carlton (St Lucia) but he predicts it is merely a stepping stone to greater things.
Racing in a field of about 750 triathletes, the 20-year-old not only held his own but turned a few heads in doing so.
“I am really happy with my race,” Mr Carlton said.
“I led the field out of the water, which was a great start; the race unfolded nicely.”
Mr Carlton, who holds a Clem Jones Sporting Scholarship, finished third behind former Olympian Simon Thompson and regular rival Josh Maeder.
The Byron Bay result will hold Mr Carlton in good stead ahead of the World Championships on June 8, where he will compete for the third time in the Under 23 division.
At last year’s World Championships he led the field out of the swim leg, only to suffer a fall on the bike, forcing him out of the race.
“I am feeling really good about the World Championships,” Mr Carlton said.
“There is a lot less pressure than last year; I have put less expectation on myself this time around.”
Mr Carlton raced in the Seoul ITU Asia Cup event on May 25 as a final preparation for the world event.
Training as part of the XLR8 Triathlon Club at The University of Queensland, six out of nine club members have been selected to compete at the World Championships, including Beijing Olympics-bound Emma Moffatt.
“Shaun Stephens (XLR8 coach and Australia Triathlon Assistant Coach) has an excellent strike rate there,” Mr Carlton said.
“He is an excellent coach and really knows how to get the best out of each of us.”
MEDIA: Stephen Danckert at UQ SPORT (3346 7520).
