The 243km shore-to-shore journey is deeply embedded in Maier’s DNA.
The Wanaka veteran makes no secret that her eighth crack at lifting the silverware in the elite women’s category could be her last, and a sixth win would stamp immortality on her record in the event.
She joined Kathy Lynch last year in the exclusive club of elite women to have won the title five times.
Maier knows another victory will not come easily this weekend but treasures the possibility of grabbing a sixth title at the age of 44.
"It has a nice ring to it," she said.
"It’s quite special because I’m in a unique position as there are not many people who have done that.
"It will be what it will be. Coast to Coast is not about being the fittest or the fastest but it takes a bit of luck on the day and things to keep going your way.
"There is always some things that happen you can’t control. I guess whatever happens, I will be able to respond on the go."
Maier said nobody wanted to win or lose through an accident or gear failure, as everyone invested so much time and effort to make it to the
start line.
"I’m very well aware that s... can happen."
She also knows that, with the emergence of a new generation of multisport athletes, she has a target on her back.
Among the contenders are Canterbury athletes Rebecca Kingsford, Tessa Aukje Dekker, Julia Chamberlain and Alice Mullins, along with Sweden’s Maria Ehlin Kolk.
Also in the mix is a seasoned campaigner in four-time champion Elina Ussher (Nelson), who will be contesting the title for a remarkable 20th time.
Maier has thought about the possibility Saturday’s race will be her last at an elite level.
"I still want to be involved. It’s just that my body can’t handle it any more. It can, but it’s just so much harder.
"I don’t want to blame age but it’s definitely changed a bit. I’m not retiring. It’s just my last as an elite."
Going out on a winning note would be just reward for someone who has inspired so many and been a leading ambassador for women in the sport.
"I still want to be part of the event, maybe in a team, tandem or just in a mentoring role.
"It’s a sport that has given me so much. I think it’s time to put something back."
