IRONMAN: Bond will be back - and for good | Hawkes Bay Sport | Surfing, Rugby, Soccer, Football, Cricket in Hawkes Bay

Scotsman Mike Bond's Ta Moko on his right arm was the give-away - he's fallen in love with New Zealand and Hawke's Bay in particular.

"Yes, it was only supposed to be a one-year exchange with the Fire Service but we'll be back for good," said Bond as he completed his preparation for tomorrow's Taupo Ironman earlier this week.

Bond, wife Vikki and their two sons, 16-year-old Conner and 15-year-old Ryan, arrived in Clive back in April. It was one of those exchanges where he swapped homes, houses and cars with a Hastings-based fireman.

"We've all loved it so much our long-term plan is to settle here. We'll return when I retire in seven years," said Bond.

SportToday expects his hunger to return will increase as he takes in some of the country's best scenery during tomorrow's Ironman - an event he entered before leaving Scotland. Bond, 43, is in his 24th season as a triathlete and turned to the sport after wanting a change from cross-country skiing. He has completed two Ironmans and tomorrow's will be his first in five years.

Both of his previous turns were in Germany and his best time for the 3.8km swim, 180km cycle and 42km run event was 10hrs 40min in 2005.

"I would like to beat 10hrs 40min in Taupo. Like all ironman starters, you always have a faster time in your head but that's the main goal,"he said.

He has spent between 15 and 20 hours each week training since arriving in the Bay. Bond regards swimming as his weakness but is happy with his running and cycling.

"I love the heat here. Back at home in Scotland's northern highlands it would be -23 now. While I haven't trained on any of the Taupo legs, you're right about the scenery - we were impressed when we were up there over Christmas and New Year."

Bond will be one of 30 Hawke's Bay Multisport Club members competing tomorrow: "It's a great club to be involved with and Jeanette is the best organiser I've come across in all my years as a triathlete," he said, referring to the club's development manager Jeanette Cooper.

Bond has enjoyed his work in the Bay, too. While the fire service terminology is different to Scotland's, it didn't take him long to adapt. "There's definitely more road crashes and high-speed fatalaties here than back home."

Bond has completed 14 events since arriving in New Zealand, including IronMaui at Waimarama, IronMaori in Napier and several Shed 2 triathlons. When he returns to the Bay, he plans to represent New Zealand at world age group events.

In 2002, he finished 42nd in his age group. In September, he plans to tackle the world long course champs in Germany.

It's only a plan, and Bond knows plans can change. After all, he's the bloke who planned a one-year stint in the Bay and decided to return for good.