The Gold Coast has turned on picture perfect conditions as the Nutri-Grain Ironman and Ironwoman Series is set to come to a stunning close this Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 February.
After four rounds of the Nutri-Grain Ironman & Ironwoman Series, it all comes down to this weekend with the most hotly contested battle to be the overall Ironman Series crown with only one point separating four times champion Ali Day and defending champion Matt Bevilacqua on the overall leaderboard.
“I think winning last year got the monkey off my back, I feel like I’ve been able to soak in every bit of the atmosphere and enjoy that I am in a fight for a series win at Kurrawa this time,” said Bevilacqua.
“It’s what I live for, it’s like Christmas week for me, I’ll enjoy the weekend no matter what.”
Only 10 points behind Bevilaqua is Kiwi Ironman Joe Collins who will be chasing his own slice of history as he sets his sights on becoming the first New Zealander to win the overall Nutri-Grain Ironman crown.
“It would be massive to be the first Kiwi Ironman to win a title, I know a lot of people back home will be cheering for me,” said Collins.
“One of the big driving factors of my career is creating a pathway for Kiwi athletes to come over to Australia and race here at the highest level.
I’ve always wanted to be an Ironman, to have that effect on kids back home now is massive, it’s very humbling. I’m pushing even further for that win now to show to people it is possible.”
Two time Nutri-Grain Ironwoman champion Lana Rogers looks almost unstoppable heading into the final weekend of racing, sitting a comfortable 27 points ahead of second place Olivia Corrin and 34 points ahead of defending champion Georgia Miller.
“To be perfectly honest I haven’t looked at points, I haven’t seen stats, I’m just here to race and have a good time,” said Rogers.
To win a third title would mean the world to me, I’ve teared up a little bit. I don’t see it as a realistic thing but it’s crazy that it is there, I’m just enjoying the journey one step at a time.”
New Zealand Ironwoman Corrin has the same aspirations as Collins and is hoping she can become the first Kiwi to win the overall Nutri-Grain Ironwoman title.
“I definitely wasn’t expecting to be in this position [second place] but it is an amazing surprise,” said Corrin.
“I’m excited to see what I can do in the last two rounds and put together some amazing results, but I am just stoked regardless.
“Last round was a surreal experience, to be the first Kiwi Ironwoman to win a round made it extra special. I have taken a lot of confidence from that win and I just need to believe in myself more because I know I can mix it with the best,” she said.
Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate said: “Get ready for the ultimate surf showdown at Kurrawa.
“This is elite surf sports at its peak – where endurance meets speed and skill and competitors are pushed to their limits.
“Don’t miss the action! Come and cheer on the country’s top athletes as they battle it out on our doorstep.”
Kurrawa’s unpredictable surf conditions are sure to deliver a few upsets, with the heat and humidity to play a role, as will the 2-3 foot surf.
2023/24 Nutri-Grain Iron Series will be broadcast live on SBS, SBS On Demand, as well as Sky Sport NZ.