It was all smiles from BMD Northcliffe's Harriet Brown and Bonnie Hancock as they crossed the line together in first place in the final of the KNG Trial race yesterday. After three gruelling 45 minute races held over the weekend in testing surf conditions, the result safely secured both girls a spot in the 2010/11 Kellogg's Nutri-Grain Ironwoman Series which kicks off in November. There were 10 spots up for grabs from yesterday's final with Terri Sullivan also gaining a spot in 10th place. Sheree Merryfull (12th), Casey Leo-Litzow (14th) and Tatum Lawler (15th) will have a nervous wait to see if they pick up one of the 6 wildcards up for grabs.
In the mens race, BMD Northcliffe's Cory Hill and Michael Booth had a great start and were equal leaders after the first ski leg but unfortunately were hit by a set going out in the second ski leg which allowed the rest of the field to catch them.
The selected trialists and wilcards will join automatic qualifiers from last year - Shannon Eckstein, Elizabeth Pluimers, Kristyl Smith and Courtney Hancock. Zane Holmes and Pierce Leonard have already picked up two of the male wildcards on offer after having operations on injuries during the off season. Dean Mercer and Caine Eckstein will also join the list of wishful wildcards.Round 1 of the KNG Series will be held at Currumbin on the 21 November.
For more information on the 2010/11 series go to http://surfironmanseries.com/.
