Shannon Eckstein says he has rediscovered his form by returning to the orange and green colour scheme of his youth. Picture: Adam Head Source: The Courier-Mail
SOMEONE had to end Shannon Eckstein's Nutri-Grain Ironman series reign.
The six-time series champion said while much had been made of his form slump last season, he believed it was simply a case of people expecting too much of him and too little of his competition.
"I was third in the series (his brother Caine won) and I won the Aussies and I won the worlds in November, so I wasn't going too bad. I just think people were expecting too much," Eckstein said.
"The other guys were going to catch up sooner or later. It's more competitive now and the likes of Ali Day are pushing all the way."
Eckstein, who also battled several injuries last season, said he had struggled to find inspiration, although the same would be true for anyone after 15 years in the same business.
"It's a great job, but like any job, sometimes it's tough work and you have your ups and downs," Eckstein said.
"This year I seem to be going a lot better and I'm racing well."
Heading into the third round at Portsea, Victoria, on Sunday, Eckstein is equal first with Matt Poole.
He said part of getting his mojo back was a return to the orange and green colour scheme of his youth.
Cory Hill and Devon Halligan have been ruled out of the round because of health concerns.
Hill has been diagnosed with osteomyelitis, an infection of the bone or bone marrow, and has been told to remain on a 24-hour intravenous drip.
Halligan is battling a heart infection.
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