And the 26-year-old is adamant he hasn’t found anything better to prepare for another gruelling season than in his own backyard in Albury-Wodonga.

Featonby has been combining training sessions at the Albury Swim Club, gut-busting runs on Nail Can Hill tracks and rides in the country with competition in local duathlons and triathlons to ensure he’s in A-grade condition.

“I found out last year that doing my own thing and sticking to the things I know are working well for me,” Featonby said.

“The only thing I have changed is joining the Albury Swim Club.”

Featonby took out the Corowa triathlon last weekend and will turn his attention to the Albury-Wodonga club’s sprint distance event at Allans Flat on Sunday.

He will then compete in Christchurch next month followed by nationals in Melbourne before taking on the sport’s elite in the opening ITU Triathlon World Cup event at Mooloolaba on March 16.

“I just want to keep improving on last year’s results,” he said.

“Last year was the best season I have had and hopefully I can keep stepping up.

“I finished fourth and missed a podium in a sprint finish in South Korea and it would be great to get one step closer.”

Featonby took out three Premium Cup races last year and is hoping to put enough good results on the board to earn him a start in the eight World Cup events.

Athletes can enter Sunday’s race at Allans Flat online or from 7am on Sunday.