NEXT YEARS GOLD SAYS CHAMPION IRONMAN SHANNON ECKSTEIN
AUSTRALIAN SURF LIFE SAVING, October 12, 2012: Champion Ironman Shannon Eckstein has today officially withdrawn from Sunday’s Coolangatta Gold – but has vowed to add the iconic race to his competition schedule for 2013.
Eckstein has decided to concentrate on leading Australia to a successful defence of its World Lifesaving Championship crown and winning a fourth World Ironman title in Adelaide next month.
The five-time Australian champion said if the conditions had been in his favour he would definitely have started this year’s race.
He also has his best mate’s wedding on Saturday night in Byron Bay – hardly a perfect preparation for the toughest race on the calendar.
“It was always going to be a maybe anyway and I wanted to see what the conditions were going to be like – if it was blowing northerly then I would seriously have considered it but I have decided to wait until next year,” Eckstein, whose brother Caine has won the gruelling event five times previously, announced this afternoon.
“And with the wedding on as well it kind of left a doubt in my mind that it probably wasn’t in my best interests because I want to win the Coolangatta Gold before I retire. I will definitely set my sights on next year for sure.
“It is a race that is close to our family’s heart with my father Billy racing in the first Coolangatta Gold in 1984 and with Caine’s dominance since 2005 and even the fact that mum did the race two years ago as well.
“When I race it again I want to be in the best possible condition and I will also require a further operation on my other leg before next season.”
Eckstein finished third in 2005 and sixth in 2006 before concentrating on developing his short course career and a subsequent dominance of the Kellogg’s Nutri-Grain Series and the Australian Championships.
Eckstein, who looked in great shape during a one-one-one session with Northcliffe coach Barry Newman yesterday morning, said he was putting all his energies into Rescue 2012.
“I really want to lead Australia to victory in the World Titles and then set my sights on equalling Trevor Hendy’s record of four World Ironman titles,” said Eckstein.
“It is not going to be an easy task but everything is falling into place.”
And with five-times champion Caine Eckstein and his brother Shannon both opting out of this year’s 12th running of the famous race, a new men’s champion will be crowned as the likes of Mooloolaba foursome Ali Day, Alex Tibbits, Josh Minogue, Matt Bevilacqua and Northcliffe trio, Michael Booth, Jake Nicholson and Cameron Gordon line up to try and etch their names into history alongside Guy Leech, Darren Mercer, Michael King, Rhys Drury, Zane Holmes and Caine Eckstein
The women’s race will see three times champion Hayley Bateup and defending champion Courtney Hancock battle it out with Hancock’s younger sister Bonnie Hancock, fellow Ironwoman Series star Brodie Moir and youngsters Jordan Mercer, Kelly-Anne Perkins and Tara Coleman.
Meanwhile, defending women’s champion Courtney Hancock and three-time winner Hayley Bateup will be joined by Hancock’s sister Bonnie Hancock, Noosa’s Molokai board champion and runner up in the 2011 Perth Enduro Jordan Mercer; 2012 KNG qualifier, North Burleigh’s Brodie Moir (5th in 2011), Mooloolaba’s Kelly-Anne Perkins (6th in 2011) and KNG Trial qualifier Tara Coleman (9th in 2011).
MEMO MEDIA:
- There will be no TV media feed of this year’s race. TV crews will need to cover the race with their own crews.
- Winners of the women’s race are expected around 11:45am and the men from 12.30pm
- All media must be accredited and bibs MUST BE WORN
- Media Centre will be open from 6am (underneath Coolangatta Surf Club – northern end). Please check in with Ian Hanson or Kim Hamilton before embarking on the race.
- Two media vehicles will leave Coolangatta for northern transition points at 8:30am
2012, Coolangatta Gold Start times Sunday 14th October:
| 6:30am 7:00am 7:15am 7:30am 8:00am 8:10am 8:40am 1:30PM |
Marshalling and numbering Race Start Race Start Race Start Race Start Race Start Race Start Trophy Presentation |
Competitors Masters Men (30-39, 40-49) Open Teams (Men & Mixed) Masters Women (30-39, 40+) Masters Men (50+) Teams (U19 Male & Mixed) Open Teams (Women) U19 Teams (Women) U19 Male and U19 Female Open Men Open Women Open Men Competitors |
All |
Coolangatta Coolangatta Coolangatta Coolangatta Coolangatta Coolangatta Coolangatta Coolangatta Coolangatta |
“Coolangatta Gold is supported by Events Queensland as part of a
growing calendar of sporting, cultural, business and regional events across the state.”
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All interview inquiries please contact:
Ian Hanson| Managing Director
Hanson Media Group | P O Box 299 | West Burleigh Qld 4219
Phone: +61 7 5522 5556 | Mobile 0407 385 160 | Fax: +61 7 5522 5557
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. | www.hansonmediagroup.com.au
