Despite itching to get his triathlon season up and running, Olympic champion Alistair Brownlee insists he will be taking no chances when it comes to avoiding any further injury setbacks.
Two-time triathlon world champion in 2009 and 2011, Brownlee saw his bid to make it a hat-trick of titles end last September when he picked up an ankle injury going into the season finale in Hyde Park, London.
It was the same venue where the 26-year-old had picked up gold at London 2012 the previous year, but the title instead went to Olympic bronze medallist Javier Gomez of Spain.
The winter also saw him nursing a troublesome Achilles injury before his ankle flared up again in pre-season preparations during the Abu Dhabi triathlon in March.
And while missing last month’s World Series season opener in Auckland as well as the second event in Cape Town last month, Brownlee is ready to fire again.
The next leg of the series takes place in Yokohama in a fortnight’s time although the triathlete will only compete if a hundred per cent fit.
“There are two weeks before I make my return to action in Yokohama and I just can’t wait to get going,” he said.
“It’s been a period of recovery and rehabilitation for me as I spent the winter nursing the troublesome Achilles injury which caused me so many problems last season.
“I’ve had a very mixed last six months and I don’t want to jeopardise my comeback as I look to regain the world championship crown.
“This time I’m aware of the need to not rush back. I have to know when I’m ready to race to the best of my ability again. I can’t risk anything if I’m not sure.
“I have to make sure I am in one piece for the rest of the year and the Commonwealth Games this summer.”
© Sportsbeat 2014