Mahe Drysdale is in uncharted waters as the international rowing season is about to get underway.
For years the five-time world champion lined up knowing he was the one to beat.
But an extended break after winning Olympic gold and a failed World Championship regatta last year mean Drysdale is heading into the unknown.
"I didn't expect it to be as tough as it has been," he says. "So you know, that was a little bit of a surprise how long it's taken me. I've always had that goal of being back on form when I went overseas and the last three weeks training have been really positive."
Now he's looking forward to testing his progress in international waters.
"That's one of the things about the first few World Cups - you quickly learn where you are, and you can make the adjustments required to perfect it through to the World Champs."
But he has realistic expectations.
"Obviously if I'm outside the final then that's a shocker - that's [the] number one goal."
And the sense of excitement at finally getting to race again is huge.
"That freshness has been really good - that little bit of uncertainty because it makes it exciting. You want to find out, I just want to race so I know where I am."
Drysdale will get the answer to that question when he lines up at the first World Cup regatta in France next month.
3 News
source: newshub archive
