Silverware still up for grabs in Forager North Coast Triathlon League

The Byron Bay Triathlon Festival once again did not disappoint.

With two rounds left, both scheduled for the weekend of Saturday 22^nd May (TNSW Club Champs) and Sunday 23^rd May (rescheduled Kingscliff Triathlon Festival), it’s becoming clear that a new champion will emerge in the region, after the Coffs Harbour Rockets slipped from pole position down to fourth in just one event. This is clear reflection of just how tight and competitive it is at the top of the League Table.

It was the Clarence Valley Stingrays who made their intentions clear, taking out the Byron Bay Triathlon with a strong return of 21 points. Culton, Crispin and Fischer were the main contributors, all winning their respective Age Groups.

In what should be seen as an ominous sign for their competition, Club Vice President and Clarence Valley Stingrays Career MVP, Kim Elvery, made the clubs intentions clear to Triathlon NSW.  “We are in it to win it!” she declared when asked for comment. She continued ‘We are very excited, we don’t always get a lot excitement as a club so the Interclub series brings everyone together with a purpose, rather then just competing as individuals. We have a great crew heading to Forster and with our division win last event and with current close placings at the top of the table, we are confident that we could bring home the double – Division 4 of the TNSW Club Champs and the North Coast Interclub Title. Watch out for the sting in our tails!’.

But if the Hat Head Hammerheads and Byron Bay Breakers have any say in the matter, it won’t be a Stingray victory. The breakers took out the victory in Forager ICL02 for the North Coast, and are desperate to prove to both the region and themselves that this wasn’t a once off. The Breakers took home a possible 17 from 25 points in their home event and with a large contingent of their club coming to Club Champs, would be quietly confident.  Fuller and Cascajares the big points earners for the club.

Fuller, the president of the club who also founded them in 2017 advised Triathlon NSW, “The club are incredibly excited about Club Champs as it’s a totally new experience for them. It’s about being together in a different environment and having fun as a team. But absolutely, we certainly would love to win again!’!

The Hammerheads shocked their larger and more fancied opponents by achieving second in the Forager North Coast Triathlon League in the first year, missing out on their first piece of silverware by the tiniest of margins – only 0.5 points. This small but deeply committed club, who routinely punches above its weight with larger clubs would be really proud of their members returns from Byron Bay Triathlon, thanks largely to a Kirkwood podium and and T Needs fifth place. They would still consider themselves in contention for the victory, and have really great numbers at Club Champs as well.

Mike Stevenson, Hat Head President stated ‘Points score is pretty close so could be anyone’s at this stage…we have a a pretty keen bunch heading to Forster and the TNSW Club Champs to hopefully maximise the points. But yes, we would be over the moon to come home victorious!’…

The Coffs Harbour TC would be confident of ‘rocketing’ up the ladder in the final two rounds and would not consider the competition over. They are coming in big numbers for Club Champs, including large volunteer contingent. But will that be enough to overcome a 15 point deficit that the Stingrays have opened up? Only time will tell.

It’s not too late to register: Club Championships Triathlon NSW | Elite Energy