Racing in the Australian Long Course Championships, Sydney-native Jacobs – who has a string of international successes including five top-five Ironman finishes and several Half-Ironman victories – finished in a combined time of 3h 37m 04s, exactly one minute behind fellow countryman, Craig Alexander, who claimed his sixth title with a commanding ‘home’ performance.

Jacobs, living up to his reputation as one of the sport’s top swimmers, put in the quickest time of the day for the 2kms opening leg, which he capitalised on in the 83kms cycling segment, after posting a time more than a minute faster than title rival Alexander.

And with only a 20kms final run leg to  contend with, Jacobs – who flew in from Team Abu Dhabi’s training camp in the Garden City of Al Ain – said a lack of race practice was to blame for his slower last half run – something he hopes to overcome before the inaugural US$250,000 Abu Dhabi International Triathlon (ADIT), taking place 13^th March in the United Arab Emirates capital.

“I ran the first 10kms really well but I started to fade and Craig put in a good show. Much of that was down to the new bike I’ve been testing; I’ve had to get used to a new ride position, which has an impact on muscle usage when you get off and enter the run leg,” said Jacobs, who was one of three new members this year to join Team Abu Dhabi Triathlon - the crack endurance squad backed by Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA).

“It was good to get the first race of the season under my belt, and I know what I need to do in preparation for the Abu Dhabi International Triathlon. I definitely still have to put some hours in on the bike, which is my main priority as I have to get used to it and the new riding position. Generally though, I’m happier now with the running, which is positive.”

Jacobs will have his work cut out for him next month, as ADIT already has one of the top male elite fields expected at any 2010 triathlon.

Amongst those leading the men’s charge are: Sweden’s Bjorn Andersson, one of the world’s best long distance cyclists; Phil Graves, the emerging UK Ironman champion; and Raynard Tissink, South Africa’s five-time Ironman winner.

Jacobs will also face stiff competition from his Team Abu Dhabi Triathlon colleagues, including captain, Faris Al-Sultan - the 2005 Ironman World Champion and one of the sport’s top cyclists.

In addition, a host of the world’s top female athletes are heading to Abu Dhabi as sign-up for the event continues to swell, with more than 650 entrants from 25 countries confirmed.

Current Ironman 70.3 and Xterra Triathlon World Champion and 70.3 distance world record holder, Great Britain’s Julie Dibens - widely regarded as one of the world’s fastest competitors – is favourite, although the Netherlands’ Yvonne Van Vlerken, Britain’s Leanda Cave, and American duo of Hillary Biscay are amongst 20 other top-tier professional women currently registered for the adrenaline-pumping ADIT.

“With so many of the world’s top athletes, as well as strong sign up from amateurs who are eager to compete with the elite, anticipation around the event is growing rapidly,” said Faisal Al Sheikh, Head- Major Events Division, ADTA.

ADIT, which is aimed at attracting up to 1,000 triathletes, including the world’s top 50, boasts a testing 223kms ‘pure power’ course and will mark the ex-Europe debut of a race of this length and discipline distances. The route has been specially designed to take in a host of Abu Dhabi city landmarks - all under the safety of completely closed roads.

A second 111.5kms route, which can be run as a team relay event, is also available, with both distances open to elites and amateurs.

The ADIT format, with a finishing running leg shorter than typical Ironman events, allows athletes to recover faster and compete more often – a factor which has been identified as crucial to international triathlon community success.