South Coast ironmen prepare for revamped Nutri-Grain Series at Kingscliff

Originally slated to take place over three weekends at three beaches, the 2021 Nutri-Grain Series has now be reduced to two weekends, due to COVID-19's travel restrictions - with both set to be held at Cudgen Headland Surf Life Saving Club.

Surf Life Saving Australia CEO Adam Weir said that while plans have changed, the key driver was to ensure an ironperson series could be delivered this summer.

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"Although we've had to adapt what the Nutri-Grain Series is going to look like this year, we're just glad that we've been able to make this possible," Weir said.

"The Nutri-Grain Ironman and Ironwoman Series, and the new Nutri-Grain Next Gen Series, both form an important part of the surf sports calendar, and moving the event to Northern NSW gives all selected athletes the chance to compete.

"We haven't been able to deliver a national surf sports event since the Nutri-Grain Series wrapped up last year.

"While we won't compromise on delivering the Nutri-Grain Series in a COVID safe way, we are determined to pull out all the stops to ensure this summer features our top ironmen and ironwomen.

"Part of being able to deliver the series means we have had to restrict numbers on the event and due to this, the Nutri-Grain Series will be a spectator free event.

"We have also had to sadly cancel the under 17 Nutri-Grain Next Gen events in order to limit the number of people as part of the COVID safe event plan.

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"In saying this, we do appreciate the dynamic nature of the COVID-19 response and will continue to actively monitor the situation and work with all stakeholders to ensure that we proceed in a COVID Safe environment and adhere to the advice of health officials."

Kiama's Day, Warilla-Barrack Point's White and the rest of the ironman athletes will begin their series on February 12, before rounds two and three on February 13 and 14.

The two weeks later, rounds four, five and six will be held from February 26 to 28.

Nowra-Culburra's Kirsty Higgison won't compete in the ironwoman series, after withdrawing due to a severe concussion.

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