2009 KELLOGG'S NUTRI-GRAIN IRON MAN SERIES FINAL - FORM GUIDE
February 19: Sunday's Kellogg's Nutri-Grain Iron Man Series final will go right down to the wire with surf sports super stars Zane Holmes and Shannon Eckstein set to fight out yet another major final in the men's event while Naomi Flood is primed to win her first ever Series.
Ian Hanson has followed the Series all summer and has produced this form guide to Sunday's big race, which is worth double points.
Here is his form guide to the 2009 Kellogg's Nutri-Grain Iron Man finals:
MEN
SHANNON ECKSTEIN
Team: Telstra Southern Queensland Sunfish
Points: 69
Last year: Runner-up
In 2009: Despite an ailing back injury, Shannon has not been out of the top three all season with wins in the opening round at Kurrawa and round three at Coolum and a second to Zane Holmes in round two at Kurrawa and third to Matt Poole and Corey Jones in round four at Coolum. Does not have a weakness; has knuckled down to a more intensive swimming program under master coach Denis Cotterell in the off-season. The reigning Australian and World champion has been named the Australian team captain for the tour to South Africa. Keen to make up for last year. Ski, swim, board in the final will suit him.
ZANE HOLMES
Team: Telstra Southern Queensland Sunfish
Points: 66
Last year: Winner
In 2009: A big time racer, who has the ability to produce his best on the biggest stage. The defending Series champion, who won round two after finishing second in the opening round to arch rival Shannon Eckstein. Only three points behind on the leaderboard and will be looking at nothing less than victory to ensure he has every chance of retaining his crown. Does not have a weak leg and you can rest assured he won't let his team mate Eckstein out of his sights - especially on the final board leg which saw Eckstein snatch victory in round three.
MATT POOLE
Team: Inner Health Plus Northern NSW Hammers
Points: 59
Last year: 16th
In 2009: The biggest mover in the 2009 Series, breaking through to score his first ever victory in a punishing round four at Coolum. The former Sydneysider has relished the move to Mooloolaba after a season on the Gold Coast and the influence of coach Michael King and the cooking of "Mooloolaba mum" Helen Newbiggen has proved to be successful ingredients. Working hard to become the complete Ironman and is always on the move in the all-important transitions. If he makes the final six then watch out for a powerful final board leg as he mounts the pressure on the big two.
NATHAN SMITH
Team: Express Glass Southern NSW Blue Fins
Points: 51
Last Year: Sixth
In 2009: The former Australian champion has had another consistent season, his best result coming in the massive conditions that created havoc at Coolum in round three when he finished third to Shannon Eckstein and Zane Holmes. Started the season out with a sixth in the open round at Kurrawa, followed by a ninth in round two and sixth in the last round at Coolum. Will be looking to make amends after not making last year's final at Coogee. Look to him for a strong final board leg.
PIERCE LEONARD
Team: DHL Southern Ice
Points: 51
Last Year: Fourth
In 2009: Started the season with a bang, finishing second to Shannon Eckstein in the opening round at Kurrawa before backing up to finish fourth in round two to Holmes. Coolum saw him put together an 11th in round three and seventh in round four. Is never far off the pace and is another big time performer who has won the Australian championship and was second in this race to training partner Holmes last year here. On his day, can take it to the big two.
WOMEN
NAOMI FLOOD
Team: Inner Health Plus Northern NSW Hammers
Points: 57
Last Year: Third
In 2009: Turned the carnage weekend at Coolum from disaster to triumph to take charge of the Series. After her worst result of the season in the thumping third round which saw her struggle into 13th, Flood put in the performance of her life to win round four. She had already produced two outstanding results to finish second and third respectively in the opening two rounds at Kurrawa. Has worked hard in the gym and the pool and will be looking to take control in the ski and the swim in the money round. She knows she needs a buffer on the board, which she has worked hard to improve since last season. Manly girl on the move.
COURTNEY HANCOCK
Team: Inner Health Plus Northern NSW Hammers
Points: 51
Last Year: 11th
In 2009: Had an opening round shocker to finish 14th at Kurrawa but has certainly sent out a clear message in the next three rounds, clawing her way back into contention with impressive performances to finish fifth, fourth and second in the big seas at Kurrawa and Coolum. One of the rising stars, the former Sawtell youngster has relished the move to the Gold Coast over the past two seasons. Knows she needs to get off the beach clean on the ski and stay in touch. Then anything is possible and on her day can win.
KRISTYL SMITH
Team: Express Glass Southern NSW Blue Fins
Points: 49
Last year: DNS
In 2009: Came back to Australia after 18 month overseas to win the Kellogg's Nutri-Grain Trial at Wanda and then took that form into the opening two rounds at Kurrawa when she put together back-to-back victories to open up a stunning Series lead. But her title hopes came crashing back to earth in the torturous round three at Coolum when she had to be stopped after over 100 minutes in the water to finish last. A shattered Smith returned to the scene of her most frustrating day in the surf to finish ninth in round four to keep her hopes of a podium finish alive. Has the ability and mindset to win the final.
ELIZABETH PLUIMERS
Team: Telstra Southern Queensland Sunfish
Points: 49
Last year: Winner
In 2009: Last year's Series winner, Elizabeth has battled a nagging back injury in the off season, which hampered her preparations. Under the circumstances she has done well to stay in touch with the leaders in 2009. Started the season out with encouraging fourth and sixth places respectively in the opening rounds at Kurrawa before succumbing to the brutal break of Coolum in round three to finish 14th. Recovered to finish seventh in round four. Staged a thrilling finish with Australian champion Alicia Marriott in a memorable final at Coogee last year.
ALYCE BENNETT
Team: Express Glass Southern NSW Blue Fins
Points: 45
Last Year: Eighth
In 2009: Experienced the thrill of her first Kellogg's Nutri-Grain round win, when she tamed the Coolum whirlpool in round three to hit the beach six minutes clear of her nearest rival. Opened the Series with 11th and ninth places at Kurrawa and seventh in round four to be sitting in fifth place. Will be keen to relive those winning memories from round three and secure a place in next year's Series. Brilliant board paddler and one of the most improved swimmers in the field. If she can survive till the final, will be all over them in the closing stages.