Erica Hawley is searching for her first LA28 Olympics qualification points when she returns to action at the World Triathlon Cup Huatulco in Mexico on Sunday.

Hawley last competed on May 16 when she finished 23rd in the elite women at the World Triathlon Championship Series Yokohama. Before that, she was an impressive fifth at the Americas Triathlon Cup Gulfport in March.

With this LA28 qualification cycle having started on May 18, the 28-year-old is eyeing a strong finish at the end of the 750-metre swim, 20km bike ride and 5km run. The Bermudian is part of 46 competitors in the women’s elite.

“I have been preparing well after the WTCS Yokohama race,” Hawley told The Royal Gazette.

“I have been in Boulder at altitude preparing for this weekend. The Olympic window is now open as of May 18 so each race has large fields with many people trying to get Olympic points.

“The Huatulco field has a lot of competitors that I have raced multiple times in the past, including my recent race in Yokohama.”

Hawley is anticipating a tough course in the Mexican heat, where she is hoping an early start can make the conditions bearable.

“I have raced here a number of times [I think this will be my fourth] and I like the course and the venue,” she said.

“It’s an ocean swim that is notorious for really hot water and a beach start. The bike is fast with some bumpy roads and then I’m expecting a really hot run, we race at 6.30am so hopefully it is manageable.

“Training wise I have been preparing as normal after Yokohama and I am looking forward to racing on Sunday and starting my Olympic points campaign once again.”