The iconic Shaw and Partners Iron Series will return to Newcastle this weekend for the second stage of the Shaw and Partners Iron Series, as top surf sports athletes hunt down vital Series points on offer.

As part of the new look Series, the opening stage of the Shaw and Partners Iron Series was held as part of the endurance Coolangatta Gold 25.6 event in October.

Second stage of the Series will now move to Newcastle, returning to the sprint Iron racing over two days, where athletes will battle it out for prize money as well as points to help them progress.

Newcastle local and former Australian Ironman Dan Collins (Redhead SLSC) is hoping the local support will give him the boost his needs to keep his Series hopes alive.

“It’s an awesome opportunity to race here at home.  When I was a nipper, it was amazing seeing my idols of the sport in the flesh racing in my hometown… it was the fuel to the fire for me to start a career in Surf Life Saving and I’m glad I’ve stuck with it.

“The Series is short, sharp racing, the formats are challenging and the cut throat nature of dropping out after this weekend is on everyone’s mind.  You want to be in the Shaw and Partners Iron Series for the whole Series, you don’t want a fleeting visit, which makes it both challenging and exciting,” he said.

Defending Shaw and Partners Iron Series Ironman champion Conner Maggs, is hoping his offseason change to the Gold Coast to train full time with Ironman legend Ky Hurst, will make all the difference when he puts his foot on the line.

“I made the move up to the Gold Coast [during the offseason] to train with Ky Hurst at Mermaid SLSC and I’m really loving the move.

“It’s really exciting to be back here in Newcastle.  I always believe I can win races, whatever the beach, whatever the location I’m always ready to perform.

“Being the Series champ is a privilege, I’ve worked really hard to get into this position… I’ve been really lucky to find a nice group of people to work with,” he said.

Defending Ironwoman champion Lucy Derbyshire comes into the weekend after a busy fortnight of racing including making her Australian team debut.

“It’s been a busy lead in, I had the World Ocean Series last weekend and in New Zealand the weekend before representing Australia for the first time… its been jam packed by I’m super excited to be here in Newcastle.

“I’m coming in with a bit of confidence [as Series champion] but it hasn’t changed my preparation.  I always race best when I’m having fun and don’t put too much pressure on myself,” she said.

COMPETITION DETAILS

  • Saturday 13 I 12noon AEDT I Super Sprint I Live on 10 Drama
  • Sunday 14 December I 12:30pm AEDT I Eliminator I Live on Channel 10