The Surf Coast hosts the final round of the Shaw and Partners Southern States Showdown and with it all on the line there isn’t a better location in Victoria to wrap up the series. Lorne is one of the most picturesque places in southern vic and hosts the iconic Pier to Pub as well as the 08 Worlds Champs.
Add on top of that the fact it’s the second last round of the Shaw and Partners World Ocean Series, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
Let’s take a look at the events.
WOMEN’S BOARD
Favourite: Grace Harris – Former medallist in this race at the Australian Champs means she should win this one easily, but you never know in board racing.
Best of the Rest: Michaela Whitmee (Kurrawa), Holly Holmesby (Burleigh) and Chloe Reyntjes (Jan Juc)
MEN’S BOARD
Favourite: Stephen Kerr (Warrnambool) maybe the oldest man in the field is still one of the best; will be a battle but I think the sentimental favourite gets it done.
Best of the Rest: Archie Vernon (Surfers) & Ben Highfield (Burleigh)
WOMEN’S SWIM
Favourite: Jemma Holt (Mordiallic) Part of the Australian junior team excels in the water, she’s the favourite but she will be pushed all the way.
Best of the Rest: Holly Holmesby (Burleigh)
MEN’S SWIM
Favourite: Callum Rossetto (Mornington) came close at the Jim Wall Classic with a third and will go better here.
Best of the Rest: Archie Vernon (Surfers)
WOMEN’S SKI
Favourite: Grace Harris (Alex) – hasn’t lost many, if any, ski races back home in Victoria
Best of the Rest: Madeleine Hurst (Half Moon Bay) Victoria Barnes (Port Noarlunga)
MEN’S SKI
Favourite: Adam Holovics (Half Moon Bay) stole the show at the Jim Wall Classic and could do it again here.
Best of the Rest: Macklin Harvey (SouthPort), Russell Fox and Campbell Bohan (HMB)
IRONWOMAN
Favourite: Grace Harris (Alex) – Needs the 5000 points to make sure she is inside the top 40 for the Shannon Eckstein Ironman Classic Iron – She’s here to win this and only this.
Best of the Rest: Michaela Whitmee (Kurrawa), Holly Holmesby (Burleigh) and Chloe Reyntjes (Jan Juc)
IRONMAN
Favourite: Archie Vernon (Surfers) The Coldwater King returns to claim his crown. He won’t have it all his own way but will be looking for a big performance to wrap up the Southern States Showdown.
Best of the Rest: Ben Highfield (Burleigh) and Matt Gilling (Mermaid)