Bell's 2015 race was ruined by a puncture to his tyre and, after finishing second in 2014, he is setting his sights on the podium for this year's event on December 11.

Bell, who was born in Warrnambool and raised in Portland, has endured an indifferent year with 2016 starting in disappointing fashion with a fractured pelvis ruling him out for six months.

But his form has been impressive since, despite a recent hiccup which saw him bruise his tibia, and he is ready to tackle the event.

"My year started with a fractured pelvis in January and that took a good six months to recover from,” Bell said.

“Things just got going and I had a good couple of Ironman 70.3's and some podiums.

“I am just looking for any luck in general.

“That is sport though, it is great when it is good, but you learn to ride the highs and lows.”

Bell's main challenge will likely come from fellow Australian Tim van Berkel as well as defending champion Matthew Pellow.

The race, which is in its third year, has 30 qualifying spots on offer for the 2017 Ironman 70.3 World Championships, which will be held in Chattanooga Tennessee in the United States.