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Womens Favourite for Anaconda WA

Rapid Ascent / 02.11.2009

But starting as open female favourite doesn't sit comfortably with the 42-year-old. The physical education teacher won the Gold Coast Adventure Race in September, and while she sets a mean pace, there's no sign of an ego.

"Being race favourite is a bit scary, I'll just try to pretend that I'm not," Beckinsale said.

"I just want to get out there and race and enjoy myself, I'll always try my hardest, and I'll be ecstatic if I win."

Beckinsale won the Gold Coast race after helping to mark the track, but is not fazed by the fact that she will be racing in unfamiliar territory this weekend (Sunday, November 8).

"My theory is you've either got to know the course like the back of your hand, or not know it at all," Beckinsale said.

"If you don't know what's coming up, then you race harder because you don't know what parts of the race you should be saving yourself for."

"I think it's really exciting that I've never done the course before, it's new and something different." However, Beckinsale concedes she plans to ride the 32km mountain bike leg on Saturday.

"Knowing what gears to use and what speed you can do certain things at is useful," said Beckinsale.

Coming to grips with the southern WA water temperature and weather conditions could prove a test for Beckinsale who has been training in 30-plus temperatures in Queensland.