KELLOGG'S NUTRI-GRAIN STARS LINE UP FOR INTER-STATE CLASH
January 22: The stars of the Kellogg's Nutri-Grain Ironman Series will continue their rivalries in Sydney this weekend, with the National Inter-State Championships to hit the Sydney Northern Beaches.
The pool lifesaving events will be held at Warringah Aquatic Centre on Sunday with the full surf and beach events at Collaroy on Monday attracting the best surf sports stars from around Australia.
Kellogg's Nutri-Grain Series leader and defending champion Shannon Eckstein will co-captain the Queensland Cyclones team alongside five-time runner up Kristyl Smith, while defending Ironwoman champion, Naomi Flood and former Australian and World surf race champion, Chris Allum will lead the Blues.
Eckstein is back as captain of the Queensland team and will be joined by former New South Welshman and Olympian Ky Hurst - who is currently third to Eckstein on the 2010 Kellogg's Nutri-Grain pointscore after the first two rounds at Kurrawa last weekend.
Hurst, has already shown he is back on track for a successful Series - finishing third to Eckstein and Tugun's Hugh Dougherty in the two opening rounds.
His all-round ability, swimming prowess and experience will give the Cyclones a major boost.
"I haven't been on a team with Ky since an Australian team in 2003 so I'm quite looking forward to having him as part of the Queensland team - interesting for Ky being originally from New South Wales - but to do the individual and team events with him will be great," said Eckstein.
"Queensland haven't beaten New South Wales for a few years but we have a very strong team, a very motivated team and there is a lot of tradition in Queensland.
"The two-day program in the pool and on the beach mirrors the World Lifesaving Championships so it will be good to show the younger members of the team that there is a lot more to this competition than the beach and surf events.
"You have to be competent in all facets of lifesaving."
The women's events will be very competitive with Queensland captain Kristyl Smith currently one point behind Series leader, 
Mooloolaba's Alicia Marriott in the Kellogg's Nutri-Grain Ironwoman pointscore. She will be joined in the Cyclones team by 2008 Series winner Liz Pluimers, who is currently fifth.
Flood, who was competitive in every race last weekend, loves nothing more than to lead the NSW Blues to victory over arch rivals Queensland.
"This will be my final year in the State team and I would love nothing more than to go out on top over the Maroons," said Flood, who is fourth in the battle to defend her Kellogg's Nutri-Grain Ironwoman crown.
"Chris (Allum) and I were on our first State teams together in the under 13s, eleven years ago so it will be special to lead the NSW team with him.
"We have a very exciting young team, particularly with Amy Nurthen from Terrigal and Ali Day from Warilla Barrack Point, who made big impressions with their Kellogg's debuts last weekend.
"They are part of some very good youngsters who I am sure will acquit themselves admirably in the surf and in the pool, where the competition could well be decided.
"I think it's going to be one of the closest Inter-State battles for some years and it would be amazing to go out on a winning note against Queensland."
Day, who shocked plenty with his eye-catching fourth to Eckstein, Dougherty and Hurst in round one and 10th in round two, is currently lying sixth on the Kellogg's Nutri-Grain Ironman Series pointscore.
The 19-year-old said he would warm up for his Inter-State battle with Eckstein and Hurst when he tackles the open Ironman race at the Manly carnival on Saturday.
"State team members can contest one open individual event so I'll be doing the Ironman and I'm looking forward to racing Shannon and Ky again at Collaroy on Monday," said Day, who admitted he was a little daunted before his Series debut.
"I have never really raced those guys before and to have the best Ironmen in the business right alongside you can be a bit scary but to have some encouragement from guys like Wes Berg and Darren Mercer last weekend was great and helped me a lot.
"I am just looking to remain consistent all year and pace myself through the Kellogg's Series and the regular surf carnivals before the State and Aussies."
Event: National Inter-State Championships
Program:
|
Date |
Events |
Venue |
Start Times |
|
Sunday 24 January |
Pool lifesaving events |
Warringah Aquatic Centre |
From 12.30pm |
|
Monday 25 January |
Ocean and beach events |
Collaroy Surf Life Saving Club |
From 8.30am |