THE conclusion of round three has seen the Ocean6 Series, which saw strong performances by both Kiama’s Ali Day and Nowra-Culburra’s Kirsty Higgison, promote six athletes to professional status in the Nutri-Grain IronMan and IronWoman Series.
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These professional athletes have gained automatic qualification into the final at the remaining three rounds of the Ocean6 Series, proving as a massive advantage.
Not only do they get to rest during the gruelling qualification process, they are guaranteed a spot on the start line to contest for vital series points.
Recent Nutri-Grain IronMan Series professional Cory Taylor is relieved to gain professional status.
“The heats at the Ocean6 are so tough with so many good athletes,” Taylor said.
“There is always some upsets with great athletes missing out on the finals.
“You have goals to do well in the overall series but the first few rounds I have been traveling to the events not guaranteed to make the finals.
“Now that I am a professional I am relieved to not have to race those Friday afternoon Ironman heats and put all of my energy and focus into the Saturday’s final.”
Day, who sits in first in the men’s rankings after three rounds on 237 points, was already one of the six men’s pro athletes, along with Matt Poole (227), James Lacey (192), Max Brooks (171), Matt Bevilqcqua (160) and Shannon Eckstein (31).
Joining these six in the squad for the rest of the season are Kendrick Louis (233), Ben Carberry (182), Cory Taylor (175), Jackson Maynard (166), Jay Furniss (158) and Mitch Coombes (151).
While Higgison, who sits in fourth on 188 points through the opening three rounds, has been promoted to be one of the women’s professionals for this season – along with Maddy Dunn (245), Jenna Smith (170), Danielle McKenzie (162), Naomi Scott (148) and Karlee Nurthen (141).
These six join series leader Georgia Miller (254) in the professional group, as well as Lana Rogers (190), Harriet Brown (178) Courtney Hancock (174), Brielle Cooper (155) and Lizzie Welborn (129).
In other Ocean6 Series news, Mollymook’s Sam Zustovich sits in first place in the beach flags leaderboard on 257 points, ahead of club mate Brock Scrivener (219) and Blake Drysdale (188)
Not to be outdone, Scrivener also sits in first in the beach sprint rankings, on 209 points, from Michael Hana (188) and Jake Lynch (166).
Finally, Mollymook’s Kate Lewis is in second place in the women’s beach flags leaderboard (on 222 points), behind Bree Masters (244) but ahead of Alex Rampoldi (200).
