Lana Rogers has bounced back to take out round two of the Nutri-Grain IronWoman Series, with Ironman champion Ali Day claiming back to back wins.
It was another thrilling day at Sydney’s Bondi Beach, in a cut throat eliminator style format that saw only four men and four women make it through to the final.
With those in the finals having to go around the course four times each, the unpredictable Bondi surf kept things interesting making each race action packed.
After a second place in the first round, Rogers bounced back today to take an emphatic win over Harriet Brown and Hannah Sculley, putting Brown and Rogers tied on top of the IronWoman ladder heading into round three.
“I was a bit nervous with the WaveCross format, I’m not the best sprinter. But it actually turned out to be an endurance race and I’m really happy with the win,” said Rogers.
“I’ve done a few junior carnivals down here (Bondi Beach), so it has been good to come back.
“I didn’t know how the surf was going to be, but I’m liking it – it’s been different conditions each day and hopefully it’s just a little bigger tomorrow for Survival (format).
“I’m happy and I’m enjoying the journey and having that process works best. I’m very focused but I’ve also got to remember to relax. My coach Sharlene Kelly really helps me with that, and I’m really grateful for her. It’s been a long time for us together, we make a good team,” she said.
Ali Day was a cut above the rest with a second straight win to firmly stamp his spot on top of the ladder. Storming home, Day finished ahead of Matt Bevilacqua and Corey Fletcher.
“I thought nothing was going to trump yesterday… today was brutal,” said Day.
“That first race (today) I had a shocking ski start and I thought ‘oh no not today’.
“Normally you are in races where they were knocking six out, today they were knocking out two.
“You have to be on the whole time,” he said.
The Nutri-Grain IronMan & IronWoman Series continues tomorrow at Bondi Beach, kicking off at 12noon with all the action on 9Go! and online 9NOW.