KELLOGG'S NUTRI-GRAIN SERIES FINAL

Shannon Eckstein continued his domination of the Kellogg's Nutri-Grain Ironman Series with a thrilling sprint finish victory in Round 5 at North Cronulla on the weekend. The race win secured the overall series crown for the 5th time with an impressive 4 wins from 5 starts this season. Club mate, Nathan Smith, who will retire from Ironman Competition at the end of the season, had a great race placing 4th with Pierce Leonard in 7th.

In the women's race, Elizabeth Pluimers claimed her second win of the series in a BMD Northcliffe trifecta with Kristyl Smith in 2nd place and Courtney Hancock in 3rd. Unfortunately the win wasn't enough to claim the overall series pointscore, finishing in 2nd behind Mooloolaba's Alicia Marriott.




Overall Series Pointscore:

Male
1st - Shannon Eckstein
7th - Nathan Smith
8th - Pierce Leonard

Female
2nd - Elizabeth Pluimers
4th - Kristyl Smith
6th - Courtney Hancock

For all the series results in full click here.


Photos courtesy of Harvie Allison Photography

Kellogg's Nutri-Grain Series

After 4 rounds of the Kellogg's Nutri-Grain Series completed, Shannon Eckstein looks set to defend his Kellogg's Nutri-Grain Ironman Series title. Shannon won the opening two rounds at Kurrawa, placed 2nd in Round 3 and then claimed victory once again in Round 4 in big surf at Alexandra Headlands. Shannon sits on top of the leader board 6 points clear of his nearest rival.

In the women's field, Kristyl Smith took the overall lead after round 3 where she claimed her first race win of the series. Unfortunately her reign at the top of the table was short lived after losing her ski in the final leg of Round 4 and finished in 18th place. Clubmate, Elizabeth Pluimers, claimed victory in Round 4 for her first race win of the series. Elizabeth is the highest ranked BMD Northcliffe in 4th place with Courtney in 5th and Kristyl now relegated to 6th place.


The 5th and final round, the "eliminator", will be held at North Cronulla on Sunday 21 February with double points on offer.

BMD Northcliffe Athletes Progressive pointscore (after 4 rounds)

Male
1st Shannon Eckstein
7th Pierce Leonard
8th Nathan Smith
11th Cory Hill

16th Daniel Moodie

21st Cameron Gordon (wild card)

Female
4th Elizabeth Pluimers
5th Courtney Hancock
6th Kristyl Smith
8th Terri Sullivan
9th Bonnie Hancock
13th Flora Manciet
16th Sheree Merryfull
18th Harriet Brown (wild card)
19th Katie Graham
20th Casey Leo-Litzow (wild card)
21st Jessica Walker (wild card)

For more information on this years Kellogg's Ironman Series click here.