Mullalloo ironman Wes Gould believes tweaks can see him compete with best, Nutri-Grain series champ Ali Day

Perth born ironman Wes Gould believes a few minor tweaks will see him rocket into Nutri-Grain series contention later this year. The former Mullalloo competitor finished 11th overall in his debut series against Australia’s elite, one spot shy of automatic re-qualification. With two false starts forcing the entire six-round series to be staged over two weekends in February, the now Kurrawa athlete achieved his best result of eighth in round one. But it wasn’t enough to challenge veteran ironman Ali Day, who completed a historic clean sweep of the series after recovering from two broken wrists. MORE SURF LIFESAVING Gould will now have to fight via a trial to reclaim his spot later this year but will first look to make some slight tweaks to his technique at the upcoming Australian surf lifesaving titles where he hopes to qualify for his first open Australian ironman final. “There are a lot of things I can work on that aren’t at that level yet which I think can make me more competitive,” the 22-year-old said. “I learnt what my biggest weaknesses are where my opponents are making up the most ground. “The biggest things I have to improve are not significant things to change. “They’re quite easy to implement which will make me more competitive with those top 10 guys.” And although Day’s dominance denied him a shot at a race win, Gould couldn’t help but marvel at the history unfolding. “Watching Ali Day, he got himself in front and then made the little things count like his transitions,” he said. “It’s pretty cool to be a part of the first clean sweep by an athlete. “I’m part of the field that all got towelled up by the same guy.” Former City of Perth ironwoman Jayde Hardstaff finished 20th after a late invitation to join the series when a fellow competitor withdrew.