Ali Day is leading the Ironman Series after four of six rounds but the Mooloolaba competitor is hardly brimming with confidence.

The previously unheralded 21-year-old has been the most consistent performer during the summer and boasts a significant 10-point margin over his nearest rivals heading into Saturday’s round five pursuit event at Coolum Beach.

But he’s not entertaining thoughts of winning the series just yet.

“I never thought I’d be leading the series and anything that happens from now is a bonus. Whatever happens I suppose.”

The New South Welshman, who moved to the Sunshine Coast in winter to kick-start his career, admitted he is still lacking some self-belief despite finishing on the podium three times this campaign, including a last-start second behind Caine Eckstein at Perth.

“I’d like to think I believe in myself a bit more now but in saying that it is hard to believe in yourself sometimes, especially when you’re in a situation like this. It’s quite overwhelming,” he said.

“I’ve never been in this sort of situation before (this season) and it’s hard to deal with sometimes, with the pressure and the expectation.

“I’d like to think that I’ve grown a little bit with confidence but it’s a massive thing to get confidence and then to hold on to that.”

Day claimed the series lead in round three and since then has said the best way for him to deal with the burden of the black singlet is to imagine he’s not wearing it.

“I’m just pretending there are nine rounds and this is the first round of the series,” he said before adding it was difficult not to notice some of the giants of the sport who are chasing him for the title.

“To hold on to the black jersey would be awesome but the likes of (five-time champion) Zane Homes and (six-time winner) Shannon Eckstein are there,” he said.

“I’m trying not to look at the points score but I know they’re close enough behind me and anything can happen here at Coolum.”

Day is on 80 points, ahead of Caine Eckstein (70), Shannon Eckstein (66), Matt Poole and Holmes (59).

Liz Pluimers leads the women’s standings after winning the last round at Perth a fortnight ago.

She is on 79 points, four points ahead of Kristyl Smith with defending champion Courtney Hancock another three points adrift.

There should be some choppy conditions for the round, which includes a swim race, a ski race, a board race and ironman/woman finals.

Competitors accumulate points for each race. The points are converted to seconds for a handicap start to the finals.