Brad Kahlefeldt's mission to salvage a cursed 2012 has been buoyed by a sixth-placing at the Hamburg ITU triathlon, which he says has him back on track heading into the London Olympics.
Hamburg has been a happy hunting for the Gold Coast-based triathlete, having won in the German city last year when he and ex-girlfriend Emma Moffatt scored an Australian double.
On Saturday, Kahlefeldt put a troubled year behind him to finish in sixth spot, completing the 750m swim, 20km cycle and 5km run in a time of 52.05 minutes.
He was just 17 seconds behind winner, South African Richard Murray, who took 51.48 to complete the sprint circuit.
Spaniard Javier Gomez finished runner-up in 51.53 while Germany's Steffen Justus nabbed third when he crossed the finish line six seconds later.
It's an impressive performance considering Kahlefeldt's Olympic preparations were in doubt just two months ago when he succumbed to a debilitating bout of pneumonia in the United States.
And to add drama to trauma, he and Moffat broke up just weeks later.
The three-time world championship medallist said Hamburg was just the tonic he needed for a renewed assault on London.
"That was very encouraging indeed," he said.
"I wasn't tapered at all and it was just pleasing to put together a good race and get back on track.
"Some of the guys peaked two weeks ago and to come home in a field that will see so many line up in the Olympics is a confidence booster for sure."
Hamburg is the last official elite race before the Olympic triathlon on August 7, but its shortened format didn't quite suit Kahlefeldt.
"So the longer run (at the Olympics) will be better for me and by the time the Games come around I will be 100 per cent."
"It is so good to be back in the mix with the big hitters at the pointy end again with London just around the corner."
The next best Australian was Aaron Royle in 20th position, while London-bound Courtney Atkinson disappointingly gave up a lead in the final sprint to finish in 28th.
The third member of the London men's triathlon team, Brendan Sexton failed to finish after suffering a puncture in the bike leg.
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