The first two rounds of the Kellogg's Nutri Grain Ironman series was held on the 2nd and 3rd February in testing Kurrawa conditions. In the men's race, Zane Holmes came away with a win in a thrilling sprint finish at the end of the 40 minute race. Clubmate, Shannon Eckstein, also involved in the sprint finished 3rd.
In the women's race, Northcliffe youngster Courtney Hancock was unlucky not to come away with a debut win after leading for most of the race only to be passed in the concluding stages of the final ski leg. At only 19, Courtney was content with her 2nd placing with club mate Elizabeth Pluimers finishing 3rd.
Other Northcliffe members to gain a top ten finish were Pierce Leonard (6th), Sheree Merryfull (7th), Matt Poole (8th), and Flora Manciet (10th).
Round 3 and 4 of the Nutri-Grain Series will be held at Coolum on the 16th & 17th February with the final round being held at Coogee on the 1st March.
Round 1 & 2 of the Etoll Ocean Assualt Finals were held at Southport on the weekend in messy conditions. Northcliffe had some impressive results lead by Shannon Eckstein who took out the Ironman on both days and Courtney Hancock who took out the Ironwoman on Saturday and placed 3rd on Sunday. Another Northcliffe competitor to pull off the weekend double was Simon Harris in the Beach Flags events.
