A three-time winner, the 2012 winner and an up and coming U.S. star offer a few words on the eve of the biggest race of the year.

ST: How does it feel to be at the end of the table at the pre race press conference after two years at or near the lead position? .

Pete Jacobs: I am really relaxed. It's nice not to be defending champion. To be down at this end of the table. Less pressure, I am really relaxed and freshening up. Looking forward to going out and doing what I do well.

ST: You have established a pattern of getting hurt or ill early in the year then coming good coming into Kona. Last year you broke the pattern and had a truly off day here. This year your mid-season woes led to some bad days at Roth and Switzerland - where you slogged through an 11-hour validation. How are things now?

Pete: Well, Switzerland was a stressful day and I was in pain walking the last 10 kilometers. But in the last few weeks, my training has gone very well and I feel strong - like my old self. I feel I can race as well as ever and I am fine with being under the radar coming into this race.

CRAIG ALEXANDER

ST: You had back issues going into China. Interestingly, you followed a slow swim and a slow bike with a world class 1:12 20k run on your way to 5th place. What happened?

CRAIG ALEXANDER: I ran well in China and my fitness going in was excellent. But my back acted up on the swim and the bike then the pain let off on the run.

ST: Are you worried it might flare up here?

Craig I'm a little worried because I have had this same [back] issue for 12 months. I think being a bit older I haven't raced as much. When you race a lot, usually you get a lot of good feedback. It builds your confidence. But I haven't had that. My buildup has been very good. I'm not going to sit around and use my age as an excuse. On the start line when the gun goes off, it is time to deal with the present reality. I can tell you this. I have done everything I can to get as ready as I can. Been working overtime. So, if my body can get me through, I know I am very fit. Looks like it will be tough conditions. I have some experience here. Maybe I can be a bit more patient which would favor me. So yeah I'm looking forward to it.

ST: Did you have trouble with your back on the swim in China?

It was a long trip from Denver. I've had a lot more help going into this race. With services I can access here on the island, things have improved. As far as the back, it is what it is. I thought I needed a race two or three weeks out and I picked up the ITU long distance worlds in China. I thought I had a good outing. I'm not looking to use my age as an excuse. If my body lets me I am ready to go for it.

TIMOTHY O'DONNELL

ST: What have you done different with Mark Allen as your coach?

Timothy: I've changed my training strategy quite a bit. I've really been working on my high end aerobics. The training that Mark has been known for -- in the 150-155 beats per minute. range.

ST: Therefore you have a really good fat burning system.

Timothy: In the past I've been very good at high intensity training - punch it and recover. But that is not what I need for Kona. So I feel good. It is not easy training. If I am at 150 beats on the bike I am pushing 300 watts. So I feel strong and fit and excited

ST: Is there a chance that you will win or at least tie for household honors?

Timothy: That's my plan. Rinny keeps stacking the odds against me while I am trying to reach her level.

ST: Any bets -- like who will do the dishes?

Timothy: No. Just pride.

ST: What makes you think you can actually win Kona?

Timothy: Well Crowie summed it up best. There are 15 guys who can win this race. But you have to believe it. I don't think there are 15 guys who believe that they can win. Last year when I got on the run course I was 15 minutes down. I thought I was out of the race for the podium. When I saw Sebastian Kienle come out of the Energy Lab I thought he was miles ahead of me. But when I finished the race I looked at the results and I was only 3 minutes out of the podium. That was a big realization.

ST: What about now?

Timothy: When I come out of the gate I can see myself up there at the end.