SURF STARS READY TO SHINE IN nib COOLANGATTA GOLD

October 17: It is all systems go for to tomorrow's nib Coolangatta Gold, with competitors ready to take on surf lifesaving's toughest test.

A record field of more than 500 competitors will tackle the gruelling event that sees competitors run, swim and paddle along and past the Gold Coast's iconic beaches.

The men's field, led by defending champion Caine Eckstein, rising star Matt Poole and evergreen veteran Dean Mercer, will race 46.6 kilometres from Surfers Paradise to Coolangatta and back.

In the women's race, over 30.5km from Surfers to Currumbin and return, Hayley Bateup will be trying to win her fourth Coolangatta Gold title but is expecting tough challenges from 2007 winner Alicia Marriott and rapidly improving Courtney Hancock.

The stars were at Surfers Paradise yesterday finalising their preparations and receiving their final briefing from race officials.

Marriott took time out to wish good luck to two young surf competitors, Emma Dick (Mermaid Beach SLSC) and Zachary Orchard (Surfers Paradise SLSC) who will race in tomorrow's Junior Coolangatta Gold.

With the athletes now ready to race, the big question is: Who will win?

World Ironman champion and Australian team captain Shannon Eckstein has cast his eye over the form of the leading contenders ...

2009 nib Coolangatta Gold Open Male Top 10 Chances

Caine Eckstein, Northcliffe SLSC (2:2-0-0): Utterly dominant in both previous trips over this journey (2005 & 2008). Strong in all four disciplines and capable of running some blistering final sectionals. The one to beat.

Dean Mercer, Northcliffe SLSC (6:0-0-2): Veteran who has changed stables to master trainer Pat O'Keeffe. Grabbed the eye 2 weeks back with a strong win over a shorter trip. Has great ski and swim legs. Danger.

Nathan Smith, Northcliffe SLSC (2:0-1-1): Has been in the money both runs over this track and distance including a third last year. Accomplished in all four disciplines and will be looking to make a move in the swim. Go well.

Matt Poole, Mooloolaba SLSC (2:0-0-0): Trained by a previous winner of this race in Michael King, and is reported to be training well. Will have to pick up his ski leg to have a genuine threat. Top class colt who is right in the mix, but is he good enough to win?

Cory Hill, Northcliffe SLSC (2:0-0-0): Showed massive improvements last year when he finished in the top 10. If everything goes right he will be the value in the race. Worth an each-way ticket.

Jasper Mocke, Fish Hoek SLSC (0:0-0-0): Colt from Cape Town, South Africa. Very strong ski paddler who is doing the race for the first time. Has trained through a very cold winter back home. Will need to swim well to have a place chance. Each-way appeal.

Andrew Mosel, City of Perth SLSC (2:0-0-0): Western Australian who has a very strong back half of the race. Will need to be amongst the leaders coming off the ski to have a place hope. Rough Chance.

Stuart Snell, Northcliffe SLSC (1:0-0-0): Experienced Welshman who calls the Gold Coast home. Has strong ski and swim legs but must limit the damage on the board and run.

Trent Goulding, Northcliffe SLSC (2:0-0-0): An ex-Victorian who will be looking to get away to a strong start on the ski. Will need to have a strong swim leg if he is to finish in the top 5.

Cameron Gordon, Northcliffe SLSC (1:0-0-0): Up and coming whippet who needs to hang in there until the final run leg. Don't be surprised if he is the fastest over the final 10km.

SELECTIONS: Caine Eckstein, Dean Mercer, Nathan Smith.

2009 nib Coolangatta Gold Open Female Top 10 Chances

Hayley Bateup, Kurrawa SLSC (4:3-0-1): Defending champion and three time winner. An expert on the ski and board. Has the advantage of being the fastest runner in the field. If she swims well, she will win.

Alicia Marriot, Mooloolaba SLSC (2:1-1-0): Perth filly who has moved to the Sunshine Coast. She needs to stay in touch with the leaders on the craft and make her move in the swim. The only one to beat Bateup in this race. Winning chance.

Elizabeth Pluimers, Northcliffe SLSC (3:0-1-2): Quality filly resuming from a leg injury. Capable across all four disciplines. Has a very good record without a win. In the mix.

Courtney Hancock, Northcliffe SLSC (3:0-1-0): Up and coming filly who is reported to be training well on the Gold Coast.  Will need a great swim leg to win this race. One to watch.

Bonnie Hancock, Northcliffe SLSC (1:0-0-0): Missed this race last year through a freak training mishap. Very honest and will keep going all day. Has place claims.

Flora Manciet, Northcliffe SLSC (4:0-0-0): French filly who has just completed a successful Atlantic crossing on a paddle board in 53 days. Strong ski leg will see her have a forward showing. Finished fifth last year.

Allira Richardson, Mooloolaba SLSC (0:0-0-0): Very tough filly from the Sunshine Coast. Has a very strong board leg.  Wouldn't mind if the surf was up. One for the minors.

Jasmin Kelly, Kurrawa SLSC (0:0-0-0): Strong ski paddler from the Sunshine Coast. Will be looking to put the pace on from the start. Top 5 chance.

Candice Falzon, City of Perth SLSC (2:0-0-0): Former Sydney glamour filly who has moved to Perth. Has a best result of eight in this race. Will be looking to improve on that.

Kirsten Ulmer, Northcliffe SLSC (2:0-0-0): Victorian who has moved to the Gold Coast for better training facilities. Strong swimmer who can surprise. Not the worst.

SELECTIONS: Hayley Bateup, Courtney Hancock, Alicia Marriot.

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