Newcastle provided a stunning backdrop on a history-making day at the second round of the Shaw and Partners Iron Series, with Callum ‘CJ’ Brennan and Carla Papac claiming their first ever Series wins.
For 21 year old Brennan, it was a dream come true for the rising star who managed to out manoeuvre Shaw and Partners Iron Series leader and former champion Ali Day on the final board leg.
Brennan and Day were on the same wave coming back to shore, with Brennan first on his feet and getting a better line to the finish to take the win.
“I’m stoked, second podium, first win I’m just over the moon.
“I got into that front pack in the ski and swim and got onto that front wave in the board and it was a sprint up the beach… I knew I had the faster and younger legs up the beach so I just had to get off the board perfectly,” he said.
The Ironwoman final race also produced a thrilling finish, with Papac on the same wave as defending Shaw and Partners Iron Series champion Lucy Derbyshire. Both were off their boards at the same time, but Derbyshire fell in a pot hole providing Papac with an easy run to the finish line.
Papac who made her mark as an endurance Ironwoman having won the Shaw and Partners Coolangatta Gold.
“I’ve really shown myself in the long course with the Coolangatta Gold and now it was time to show myself in the short course. I’m glad it’s finally come to fruition.
“I moved to [Michael] King’s squad at Burleigh Heads Mowbray Park last season and I felt like I was just getting used to the training… and this season I feel like I’m not just surviving, I’m performing and it’s definitely showing in my racing,” she said.
After two rounds of racing, Ali Day still holds the lead ahead of Wanda’s Noah Steiner and Callum Brennan with Carla Papac now leading ahead of Coolangatta Gold winner Electra Outram and defending champion Lucy Derbyshire.
Athletes return to racing Sunday in a do or die Eliminator format, with the bottom eight men and women eliminated after tomorrow’s racing.
For full replays visit 10.com.au. Racing continues live on Channel 10 on Sunday 14 December from 12:30pm AEDT.
Results Saturday 13 December
IRONMAN
- Callum Brennan
- Ali DAY
- Ethan CALLAGHAN
- Conner MAGGS
- Noah STEINER
- Ryley HARLAND
IRONWOMAN
- Carla PAPAC
- Lucy DERBYSHIRE
- Analise KIBBLE
- Electra OUTRAM
- Lana ROGERS
- Tiarnee MASSIE
For full results ironseries.com.au/results/
Overall standings after two rounds
IRONMAN
- Ali DAY, 61 points
- Noah STEINER, 45
- Callum Brennan, 45
- Finn ASKEW, 44
- Ethan CALLAGHAN, 44
- Ryley HARLAND, 43
IRONWOMAN
- Carla PAPAC, 61points
- Electra OUTRAM, 57
- Lucy DERBYSHIRE, 52
- Dom STITT, 47
- Tiarnee MASSIE, 45
- Pipi TE PANIA, 34