At the age of 25, the defending Ironman Western Australian Triathlon Busselton champion is still young in a sport where most consider you hit your peak at 30.

He came to the forefront of Ironman after finishing seventh in his first ever attempt in Port Macquarie in 2007.

Since his debut, his results over the 226km journey have been fourth, first and third.

“Having the win last year makes me really feel like I have the monkey off my back,” Berkel said.

“But, I know I totally flew in under the radar and no one was looking out for me.

“This year I am looking forward to the challenge that has been made all the more difficult by the late entry of (Patrick) Vernay.”

Vernay is the yardstick in Australian Ironman racing having won the Port Macquarie event for the past three years.

However, Berkel is on the charge.

“I have learnt a lot from the last time we raced (in Port),” the 25-year-old said.

“I think I did too much work on the bike and it meant I didn’t have as much left when we got to running.

“This time I’m planning on not doing as much work and keep a bit more in the tank for the run.”

Berkel said he’s had a disrupted preparation, due to illness, but the excitement of returning as defending champion was likely to get him back up again.

“I’m really looking forward to all the commitments like the TV and radio,” he told the Port News.

But, there is the greater motivation tomorrow too.

“And, I want to beat Vernay. Each year I am getting a bit older and wiser and he is a year older too and hopefully slower,” Berkel joked.

The battle for victory will not be fought just on the Vernay front.

“There is a good bunch of international athletes coming, any of who could be a danger,” he said.

“Jason (Shortis) raced badly two weeks ago and you just don’t know what he will come out with on the day.”

But for Berkel the dark horse is Chris Dmitrieff.