Former Team New Zealand grinder Craig Monk believes the team's in prime position to win back the America's Cup as competition looks set to get underway on Sunday (NZT).
Team New Zealand shocked the sailing world earlier this year when they unveiled their cycling grinder system.
While Oracle Team USA have sought to use a similar system in their boat, Monk says Team New Zealand will reap the rewards of not only have four cycle-grinders but having trained and known the system for longer.
"We're the team that's going to improve the most because we've got the most to learn about our boat and our crew," Monk told the AM Show on Friday.
"Already we're even on the pace, I expect to see the team just gain confidence throughout the series."
"The way Team New Zealand is set up with the cycling, the power is actually innovative, I would think if I was another team I'd be reasonably upset about that."
Oracle Team USA will race in the Louis Vuitton Qualifying races, marking the first time a holder has raced in the challenger series.
The 1992 Barcelona Olympics bronze medallist said they won't hold back, which will benefit Oracle but also benefit Team New Zealand.
"I think Oracle has [the ability to change the effectiveness of their boat] and they're in the challenger series this time. Race two we race Oracle and that could be a precursor to the final of the Cup.
"By the end of the weekend, we'll know where we sit with them so we'll have four weeks.
"Oracle I don't think will be holding back - you can't hold back in these boats because it's dangerous, so it's a lot lot closer than what it was four years ago."
Oracle helmsman Jimmy Spithill hasn't been shy to throw a barb or two Team New Zealand's way in the lead-up to competition. However there's been little chat offered the other way.
Monk says anything coming from Oracle will be water off a duck's back, particularly for Team New Zealand's helmsman Peter Burling who, he believes is one of, if not the best sailors in the world.
"[Burling] will not blow pump his own weights up, he's a confident guy, they will not break his shell. He's better than Russell Coutts…
"He's just starting out, there's no doubt [he's the better]. He was unbeaten with his crew Blair Tuke for 27 regattas before winning a gold medal last year, that's impressive.
Team New Zealand will take part in four stages of challenger races before the first day of America's Cup racing starts on 18 June.
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