DESPITE round five of the Ocean6 Series taking place on their ‘home’ beach, Surfers Paradise, both Kiama’s Ali Day and Nowra-Culburra’s Kirsty Higgison struggled in their respective races on Saturday.
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Men’s ironman competition leader Day failed to replicate round four’s victory, finishing in seventh on the day – behind winner Cory Taylor.
“It was tough conditions, so I was just hoping to get around and gain good points, so to come out with a win is awesome,” Taylor said.
“I feel like this is a bit of a breakthrough for me.
“This year, I’ve had a couple of fourth and fifth places so I was close but not really at winning level – it just all came together and I got the win.
“The Nutri-Grain Series has such a great reputation – it’s like winning a world champs or an Aussie champs, it’s right up there for me.”
Even though it wasn’t a podium finish for Day, who sits 24-points clear of Matt Poole heading into the final round at Wanda on February 22 and 23, said he was still happy to claim seventh.
“I normally start a lot better in pursuit races, but I was a little behind on Saturday, starting in 12th place, so I just tried to slow down and calm the mind and I got back into a really good position,” Day said.
“My result wasn’t reflective of my effort but I’m really happy with how I went about it and I’m so proud.”
Although in a very similar position at this stage last year, Day isn’t celebrating just yet.
He lost the overall title last year to Matt Bevilacqua due to a count back, so he knows there is still work to be done.
“It would have been nice to get the job done on Saturday and be a little bit higher with my points but at least I know how to handle it from my experience last year.
“There are still three weeks to go before the final round and the pressure of being in front is always a privilege.
“I’ll just take it moment by moment and keep doing what I’m doing.”
Poole took out second place on the day ahead of Shannon Eckstein in third.
In the women’s competition, Higgison crossed the line in 11th, well behind winner Maddy Dunn – who stretched her lead at the top of the point score.
“The day’s win means a lot as I didn’t even finish at Surfers last year,” Dunn said.
“I didn’t even make it around the course, I just threw it in and gave up, so it is so great to finish with a first .
“Heading into round six, I can’t put any pressure on myself as it probably won’t go to plan – I’ll just try to stay mellow and go with the flow.”
Tiarrn Raymond finished second on the day, with Brielle Cooper round out the top three.
Despite the tough day at the office, Higgison still sits in second overall in the rankings, heading into round six.
